Cancer Stricken Mother Looks To Community For Help

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - Melissa Aztiazarain is a stay at home mom. Her husband Martin is a stay at home dad, because within the past year and a half, both lost their jobs.

But it doesn't end there. Just this month, Melissa's doctor told her what no woman wants to hear.

"You have breast cancer. My world stopped. All these things happening at once. I just had a brand new baby. What do you mean I have breast cancer?" she says she asked the doctor.

Days later, she got the diagnosis.

"Invasive ductal carcinoma, one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancers," she said.

Being unemployed, the family's medical insurance is already expensive, but just weeks before she was diagnosed, Melissa chose the high deductible plan to lower monthly costs. Now, paying for everything from treatment to medication is going to be tough.

On top of it all, 8-month-old Max and 2-year-old Martin Jr, are just beginning their young lives.

That's why CBS4's Neighbors 4 Neighbors is helping the family right now by donating $300 in Publix and WalMart gift cards.

Melissa begins aggressive chemotherapy on Monday. Martin will continue to push on and support his wife.

But now they hope you will take a closer look at your own health.

You can follow Melissa on her blog at: http://dearbodywehavecancer.blogspot.com/

To help, you can call Neighbors 4 Neighbors at 305-597-4404 or visit http://www.neighbors4neighbors.org/

Fundraiser for the Family:

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

Cabo Flats Cantina & Tequila Bar

6pm to 10pm

11701 Lake Victoria Gardens Avenue – Suite 5101

Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410