Hello! Welcome to our support registry for Faith Michon Ross. This support registry is built to give clear direction to anyone who wants to help - whether you are willing to give money, send meals, or say a prayer, your support makes a real difference. You can choose from support registry options. Please also click "share" to help this reach further in the community, and click "follow" for updates. If you are able to contribute, please assure that we have your name, mailing address, and email address so that we can express our gratitude with real words over these next several months. (Please send that information to mschorbahn@gmail.com.) 

I have many stories about Faith which I intend to share throughout the next several months.  I will be inviting you to share your stories as well so that all of us who love, adore and respect her can lift her and each other during this battle.  Before I explain the reasons we are asking for support, I want to tell you one of the most recent quintessential Faith stories . . .

I live a couple blocks from her. Last week I walked over in the late evening to have a quick chat and plead with her to let me put up this fundraiser (over her vehement objections). When I walked in, she asked if I am hungry and wanted to make me something to eat at 8PM. I told her that I already ate and that I was on my way to pick up a friend at the airport. Faith proceeded to COOK A MEAL OF STEAK AND EGGS and put in a to-go container for my friend who she has heard about, but never met. Who does that? FAITH. She does these kinds of things, and has for as long as I can remember. She is constantly giving, constantly showing up, constantly engaged in community, and constantly encouraging and supporting everyone in their interests, wellness, challenges, and goals. 

Now it is our turn.

About three weeks ago a routine mammogram showed a mass.  Further diagnostics were conducted.  A biopsy followed. Then the news: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma/HER2+. She had no signs, no symptoms. On March 12, she met with the medical team at the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. After further testing, bilateral contrast, genetic testing, and long detailed discussions about options, her treatment plan is set.  She will have a partial mastectomy on March 24 to remove the tumor, the margin around it, as well as some lymph nodes.  Surgery and post-op appointments will be followed by 12 weeks of chemotherapy, which will then be followed by 3.5 weeks of radiation five days each week. What a summer:(

The good news you ask?  Well, it is treatable and highly curable! Faith will undoubtedly win this fight. She was on the bicycle just this morning, wanting to maintain all of the strength in her body that she can for the next several months. 

So now I come to you asking for help.

Faith is insured. However, out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer treatment in the USA are substantial. 

- There will be deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance for surgery and treatment.
- There will be costs for follow-up testing after treatment.
- There will be significant costs beyond medical bills including over-the-counter medication/supplies.
- There will be expenses related to travel to/from and parking for treatment. 
- There will be after care expenses such as specialized bras/clothing and nutritional supplements.
- There will be expenses for keeping her home going for her and Nero (in the photo!).
- There will be expenses for comfort items such as post-surgery pillows and hair/skin/nail support.

The unexpected expenses above combined with any loss of income (PTO will undoubtedly be exhausted), makes for a difficult situation for one person to conquer.  There are very few of us who would be able to handle this type of financial strain while facing a health crisis.  A breastcancer.org survey in the USA indicates that 47% of breast cancer survivors said their costs related to this illness were significant and/or catastrophic. 

Faith's current treatment plan will begin with surgery on March 24, with her last radiation appointment projected to be mid/late August. Our girl is gonna be fighting through five months of heavy treatment.  It will all be followed by immunotherapy for the following year. 

Do you all like boxing?  Faith loves it. There are 12 rounds in professional boxing - the same number of weeks of her chemotherapy.  Each boxing round lasts three minutes, with a one minute rest between rounds. That is a total of 47 minutes from the start of the fight to the bell.  My goal is $47,000.  I am asking for your help in getting all medical and treatment related expenses paid. I am asking for your help in meeting the expenses of her home throughout this spring and summer - mortgage, association dues, car payment, etc. I am asking for your help in providing financial support so that our girl can focus on one thing and one thing only for the next several months --- healing her body.  I am asking for help in the hopes that she can come out of this and pick up right where she left off showing up for others and supporting others like she has done her whole life both personally and professionally. 

If you are not familiar with Faith's years of service, here is a list of just some (not all) of the organizations she has supported. She has spent her life's work getting funding to those who need it and lifting up the community around her:

- 12 Rounds Fundraising Project founder/facilitator raising funds for anti-human trafficking efforts
- Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir board member
- Avenues for Youth Fundraising Committee (supporting youth experiencing housing instability)
- Northside Celebration production strategist and vocalist
- Northside Boxing youth mentor in leadership and discipline
- EZ Bike Club member
- Salvation Army donor donations director
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County resource development manager

Every donation no matter how big or small is so very appreciated.  Every prayer that you send up or out consistent with your beliefs is appreciated.  Every "follow" and "share" is so helpful. 

With love and gratitude,
The family, friends and community of Ms. Faith Michon Ross
(authored/managed by Michele S)