My name is Michelle Byers. I’m 32 years old, married and have a beautiful 2 year old daughter. Life was going great. My husband and I had decided to have another child so I had went in for a check up. The doctor advised me of a growth on my cervix that was the size of a grape. He told me that I would need surgery and have it removed. Less than two weeks later I went through surgery and was informed that it was the size of a golf ball. The doctor said he would send it off to be tested and call me when results were here. On October 12, 2009 I was called by my doctor and received news that would change my life forever. I was told that I have a rare cancer called neuroendocrine carcinoma and was being referred to an oncologist. After meeting with the Oncologist it was determined that I would again need surgery to remove my cervix and uterus due to the cancer had spread. My dreams of having another child were shattered. I was sad, angry, scared, and felt lost. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I was scheduled for the radical hysterectomy and another PET scan. They would perform the PET scan first to see if the cancer had spread elsewhere in my body and surgery would follow the next day if PET scan showed no spread. Well I got my first good news when the doctor came in and advised that the PET scan didn’t pick up any cancer activity other than my cervix. The next day was surgery and all went well. The doctor came in and said surgery was successful but that with this cancers aggressive nature and the inability to make sure cancer cells weren’t left behind I would need chemotherapy and radiation treatments. I searched for another opinion and traveled to the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Chicago where I was told again I would need chemo and radiation. Researching my type of cancer on the internet I found site after site that would mention chemo won’t work. This prompted me to continue to look. I ended up here in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Doctors here felt that chemo and radiation would not work and had alternative options. They also found that I have Lyme disease and that my immune system is extremely weak. After seeing their treatment plan I have decided to start treatment with them on 12/7/2009. Portions of this treatment unfortunately are not being covered by my insurance. I also have acquired lodging expenses due to I have to stay down here as my treatments are daily. I feel in my heart that this is where I’m going to get better so I am determined to make it happen. I have to raise $45,000.00 total to pay for these treatments alone. This doesn’t include my living costs. I am asking that you help me fight off this deadly disease so that I can continue to be a Mom for my 2 year old little girl and watch her grow up. I pray everyday that God will keep me strong and help me get through this. Your prayers and donations are greatly appreciated.