Victory Over Cancer

Michael Martyka Start Date: Mar 6, 2020 - End Date: Jun 30, 2020
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip
  • South Carolina, United States of America

My Travel Story

by: Michael Martyka Start Date: Mar 6, 2020 - End Date: Jun 30, 2020
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Professional Development
  • Volunteer Trip
Benita Fitzgerald was born & raised in Dallas,Texas.Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Benita was admitted to the ER at Beebe Healthcare and underwent a series of tests, finding out shortly after she has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Cervical Cancer. An additional PET scan confirmed the diagnosis, in addition to a discovery of a tumor pressing on her nerve endings, creating excruciating & unbearable pain and discomfort.

Both radiation & chemotherapy treatments began on Febuary 9, 2020 at Christiana Hospital .Benita’s treatments consisted of 5 days a week of radiation and one day a week of chemotherapy. Benita rang her chemotherapy bell on February 18th, and began her internal radiation the next day, which she is currently still undergoing. As of late February, the doctors have been able to reduce the size of the tumor by 75%.

In the last few weeks,Benita’s blood cell and platelet counts are trending very low, as well as her magnesium and potassium levels. This has postponed a handful of treatments, which Benita will have to make up when the counts rise. We are hoping for her makeup treatments to be scheduled at the end of this week.
  • South Carolina, United States of America