Shepherdstown, WV - Shepherdstown resident Lise Sade, homeschooling mother of two, homeschooling consultant, clinical social worker, and psychotherapist, has gone to Mexico to receive advanced cancer treatments from Dr. Filiberto Munoz, considered one of the best cancer doctors in the Northern Hemisphere. Lise, diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Spring, 2007, responded well last year to surgery and chemotherapy treatments. However, recent blood tests indicated the presence of cancer cells and tumor activity on the liver. Local physicians encouraged her to seek additional traditional chemotherapy, but Lise became her own best advocate by researching how doctors in other countries were treating people with cancer.

The treatment Lise is now undergoing involves a blood test to detect micrometasteses in the blood which are then treated with target specific and low dose, fractionated chemotherapy and other less invasive immune boosting therapies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved such treatments, thus necessitating Lise’s trip to Mexico for treatment. Furthermore, Lise’s medical insurance will not cover this cancer treatment, which must be paid out of pocket by Lise. The estimated cost of Lise’s 9 week treatment program will come to at least $30,000.

Lise is a proactive person in all facets of her life. “I am determined to be well and watch my children grow and to grow old with my partner.” Lise says. In going to Mexico for her treatments, she has taken her 14 year old home-schooled daughter, Skylar, with her. Lise is insistent that Skylar continue her studies, and perhaps learn Spanish while she is there.

Lise’s partner, Deborah Fredricks, and her friends and colleagues are organizing several fundraisers to help offset the cost of Lise’s treatment. A special bank account, the Lise Sade Healing Fund, has been opened at United Bank for contributions and funds raised through fundraisers. Tax-deductible contributions in any amount can be mailed to Deborah Fredricks, PO Box 251, Shepherdstown, WV. Anonymous contributions can be sent directly to United Bank, 7867 Martinsburg Pike, PO Box 310, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Checks sent directly to the bank should include a note with the routing number (#051900395) and account number (#007086-4061) and both names (Lise Sade and Deborah Fredricks). Checks should be made out to “TLCI” with Lise Sade Healing Fund written in the memo line.

Upcoming fundraisers include a Celebration of Life, an all-day healing arts and music event on Saturday, May 31 at the War Memorial Building in Shepherdstown and a walkathon on June 7.

“The circle of life always leads us back to our humanity and to each other,” Lise says. “Love is all we really have in the end, and my love for my life, family, work and community is deep and enduring.” Print Add a Comment Back to All Articles