The Rob Benzon/Dan Ferbal Foundation approved a grant request for Alissa A, a dedicated hairdresser and a busy mother of three teenage boys. During the holidays, she began experiencing severe back pain and eventually sought help at the Emergency Room. Alissa was admitted to the hospital for 3 days, where she faced additional stress due to a lack of adequate insurance, while they waited for a biopsy and an MRI of her back. Receiving a Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer diagnosis has been devastating, as the cancer has spread to her spine and caused a fracture. Her inability to work has placed a significant burden on her husband and sons, who rely on her for love, nurturing, and financial stability. Alissa does have insurance that is paid out of pocket, insurance is not available through her occupation.
The family has been struggling with the logistical challenges of almost daily trips to La Jolla for treatment, especially with just one car. Often her husband has to take time off work to either drive Alissa to her treatments, or manage the boys’ schedules, adding to their already high stress. Despite these difficulties, the medical team is hopeful about her 18-week chemotherapy and radiation treatment plan. Our grant has provided necessary funding to help with rent for the family during this difficult time.
Grant awarded in May 2025