Southampton Woman Reaching Out For Help To Battle Cancer For 2nd Time

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — Michele Passarella, a Southampton woman who is still struggling to recoup financially after a first battle with breast cancer, was recently diagnosed again — and now, she's reaching out for help.

Passarella created a GoFundMe page, "My Medical & Surgical Bills," which has raised $13,600 so far.

On the page, she explained that she was first diagnosed with breast cancer just over two years ago, and has recently had a new fight to wage.

Since her first diagnosis, she has had difficulty paying the staggering medical expenses from her first round of treatments, she said.

And then, things took a turn recently, when she was diagnosed again, she said.

"I recently underwent surgery for a bilateral mastectomy and have accrued additional medical expenses for pre-surgical testing as well as surgery," she said.

The medical expenses were only covered in part by Passarella's health insurance coverage, which has left her with unexpected medical costs that are are above and beyond her ability to pay, she said.

In addition, Passarella said her recovery time is slated to be lengthy, due to extensive surgery; she will dependent upon disability, a lower amount than her normal salary, she said.

Daily living expenses coupled with mounting medical costs have made the financial future bleak, Passarella said.

Chemotherapy, she said, left her unable to work the first time around, due to the extreme fatigue and short term concentration and memory loss she encountered.

All donations will be used to pay for both daily living and medical expenses, Passarella explained.

"I beat this awful disease the first time and now for a second time with the love and support from my family and friends," she said.

To donate, click here.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.