10/03/2024
This is Rachelle Hollis Borders also known as Becky. She has graciously said I could share her story and how the Eye on Grace Foundation has helper her and her husband during her recent treatment in Louisiana. She is a wife, mother, and grandmother and has a lot of memories still needing to be made with friends and family.
Rachelle has been an OM friend of mine for years and lives in LA also known as Lower Alabama in the city of Brewton. She was diagnosed years ago with Ocular Melanoma and has handled her diagnosis with grace and resilience.
Recently she learned of possible metastatic disease in her liver and she began to research the best options for her care. One of the frustrating things about Ocular Melanoma is it is so rare many regular Oncologist do not know how to treat it. The question then is, "Where can I travel for treatment? Can I afford it?" Then the questions are "Should I pursue liver directed treatment, systemic treatment, clinical trials or surgery?" Many times, we as the patient have to advocate for our own care. While Rachelle has a great team of doctors in Mobile. She learned of East Jefferson General Hospital in Metairie, LA outside NOLA. Specifically she was put in touch with Dr. Mary Hobbs-Maluccio who was able to Robotically remove the hard to reach tumor in her liver.
Traveling and cost were a potential stress to Rachelle and Junior, as it would be for anyone. She would have to travel to Louisiana, have the surgery while Junior stayed somewhere close by. She was then asked to stay for 5 days in town to recover and come back for follow up appointments. When this decision was made it all happened so quickly.
Rachelle is a "giver" and "givers" often have trouble receiving. When I told her the Eye on Grace Foundation could help she was humbled and grateful. The foundation was able to help with gas, food, and groceries while they stayed in the Hope Lodge close by the Medical Center.
She is recovering well and looking forward to going home to enjoy more time with family and friends.
The ability to sponsor travel grants for people with OM is a passion of all of us associated with the Eye on Grace Foundation. We have now sponsored 18 people and some of those have benefited from multiple trips for treatment.
If you would like to sponsor a trip, they range from $100 to $1500 per person. You can make a one time donation or a monthly donation by going to our website and clicking on "donate."
The website is eyeongracefoundation.net
You can also help by purchasing items from Eye on Grace Art by Ashley McCrary. That website is eyeongrace.com
We now continue to pray for Rachelle and her recovery. Our motto is "Keep your eye on grace!" This is based on II Corinthians 12:9 which says, "His grace is sufficient for us, for His power is made perfect in weakness."
Keep your eye on grace Rachelle. You are so loved!
