Please check here for updates, events and to connect with Leah!  A new website will be in place soon!  Love!                         http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=208568288127&ref=ts

In September 2009, my sister Leah Dadas was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer that had metastasized to her lower spine.  The medical bills are already over $22,000 and there is more to come.  Your help in her treatment and living expenses is deeply appreciated!   (Update:  The most recent hospital bill covers radiation, pharmacy, and a lab, and within itself totals another $20,000.)       **See below for home mailing address. **

Within two months of diagnosis, Leah underwent two biopsies, major surgery, numerous tests, radiation therapy, and takes two medications. Every two months she will be retested to track the course of the disease. She will likely face a lumpectomy or bilateral mastectomy/reconstruction, more radiation, and chemotherapy in the future. The prognosis is a 2-5% chance of cure. Her optimistic blood work results could indicate a better outlook.

Leah is proactive in treating her cancer by utilizing traditional western medicine as well as complementary and alternative medicine. Her main treatment medication, Arimidex, is costly at $414 per month.  In addition to taking many researched supplements, Leah has altered her diet to be mainly vegan, including fresh veggie juices. She utilizes energy therapy and acupuncture thanks to the generosity of friends.  She is interested in Intravenous Vitamin C Therapy which has been shown effective for breast cancer treatment.  Your support to continue these treatments would be greatly appreciated. 

In order to pursue a Counseling Master's Degree full time, Leah left her social service job with insurance benefits one and a half years ago.  However the effects of having advanced cancer were wearing her down, though she was unaware that cancer was the cause of her symptoms. She stopped attending school and devoted more time to her self-employed occupation as a teacher of tai chi, youth and aging-initiatives programs, and as a bodywork practitioner.  She was unable to afford health insurance coverage.  We are thankful she was finally able to receive medical attention and be diagnosed.  Currently her health condition precludes her from maintaining work. She continues to enjoy teaching.

Alas, in order to receive medical treatment, Leah signed up to participate in the hospital's financial assistance program. She was cleared at the 100% level of coverage. The parameters of this program are unclear and we later learned that it may not cover tests (MRI, PET/CT, ultrasound, x-ray, blood work, genetic tests), medications and procedures. Leah is working with the hospitals to determine what the coverage will be. The alternative treatments such as infrared sauna, Vit C injections, and supplements are all out-of-pocket therapies.

On another note, Leah's passions include alternative and holistic medicine, photography, nature, and martial arts. 

All your generous contributions are dedicated to supporting my sister's medical and living expenses as she goes through this healing process.  We deeply appreciate you.

(Please note:  Many people have asked if they may send a donation by mail.  Certainly!  Leah Dadas, 4832 Sweetwater Dr., Brecksville, Ohio  44141)