Hillsborough Single Mom Facing Breast Cancer Seeks Help With Bills

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — A Hillsborough single mother's life was turned upside down following a routine mammogram appointment this summer.

After turning 40, Caitlin Quinoñes told Patch she went to her mammogram appointment, which quickly escalated into further testing and then a biopsy.

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She was diagnosed with breast cancer on July 31 and is scheduled for surgery on Sept. 17.

Following the diagnosis, Quinoñes' friend started a GoFundMe because of mounting costs tied to treatment and recovery.

"I've never been someone who likes asking for help. My friends will tell you that I'm usually the one trying to help everyone else. But right now, I truly need the help myself," said Quinoñes.

"I'm over $3,000 right now in bills, and I didn't even have the procedure," she said.

She said she is expected to have two surgeries, with reconstruction planned months after the first procedure, which will mean more time out of work.

Quinoñes works at a private school in Skillman with children with special needs.

She said returning too soon is not an option because she needs to be fully recovered before going back to her job.

Additionally, she will have to continue paying more than $500 a month to keep her health insurance while she is out on disability.

Quinoñes is raising her 13-year-old daughter on her own and is trying to prepare for recovery at home.

She bought a recliner because she expects to be unable to use her arms for a couple of weeks after surgery. She is still fighting with her insurance to get the chair covered.

Through the GoFundMe page, Quinoñes is looking for help with medical expenses, household bills, groceries and other everyday costs while she recovers.

Quinoñes has spent years working with children with special needs and volunteering with Girl Scouts for the past 13 years.

"I'm just looking for extra extra help," she said.

For more information or to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/support-a-devoted-mom-through-cancer.

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