On March 24th, 2024 our good friend and coworker, Crystal Pederson, was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive carcinoma with chest wall involvement (breast cancer). March 19th was when she first discovered the lump and within weeks, she was seen by numerous medical specialists such as her oncologist Dr. Kuzman, radiation oncologist Dr. Swartz, breast surgeon Dr. Croft, plastic surgeon Dr. Snyder, and primary care physician Dr. Avigliano, who all took interest in expediting her treatment plan as they knew this was an aggressive and fast-growing tumor; there was no time to waste. Multiple lab works, tons of imaging, and countless doctor appointments all led to May 5th when she began chemotherapy. She will continue to receive weekly chemotherapy injections until July 21st where she will then undergo a more intense regime and receive chemo every third week for 9 weeks. This will ultimately allow surgeons to remove the tumor as well as perform a double mastectomy and hysterectomy. This summer will just be the beginning of an immense journey that Crystal and her family is forced to embark. Crystal continues to work as much as she can, while she can, at her job of 13 years as a Preschool Teacher at Imagination Station Daycare & Preschool. Ultimately, she has had to lower the number of hours she can work due to her treatment and doctor appointments which directly correlates with a lower income. The effect of her diagnosis is far greater than just her work life. Her plans to graduate BHSU this past May with a bachelor’s in Sociology with an emphasis on Culture & Society is now delayed due to her inability to complete her summer practicum (in-person study). Her family, of course, has made adjustments as well. Her husband of almost 9 years, Sam, works nights at Menards. His work schedule, too, has had to be adapted in order for him to be present for Crystal’s treatments as well as the following day when the side effects are the most intense on her. This decrease in both incomes made an instant impact on their daily lives. Crystal’s sons, Sawyer (12) and Parker (7), have been tremendously strong by staying positive and doing what they can to help mom around the house. Crystal’s mom, Toni but known to most as Maga, has been with her every step of the way who would do anything for her daughter including attending multiple appointments, caring for her grandchildren, and just being a safe person for them. With a history of breast cancer in the family, Crystal did genetic testing to see if she was a carrier of the BRCA gene. She got her positive results in July of 2019. Shortly after, she planned to have imaging done (MRI) to move forward with preventative mastectomy surgery. Unfortunately, her insurance denied the claim and refused to pay for the necessary imaging. Had this screening been performed at the requested time, her chances of this current situation from transpiring would have been significantly reduced, if not eliminated completely. I am asking for all who read this to consider a monetary contribution to Crystal for her treatment, her family, and her peace of mind. She has a “benefit account” set up at Black Hills Federal Credit Union where all can make a deposit by simply giving her name. Cash donations are also accepted by stopping by her place of employment: Imagination Station in Black Hawk, SD. Soon, a LFEBridge will be available for those who are not able to make donations in person. Thank you in advance for your donations as well as everyone’s concerning thoughts, pleasant comments, and positive vibes that have already been sent! ❤️
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