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Humane Society, Community Rallies to Aid 20-Year-Old Kayleen Myers in Fight with Ewing Sarcoma

By Julie Perine on July 08, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

Twenty-year-old Kayleen Myers is a mother of two and avid pet advocate. When she’s not working at the Humane Society of Harrison County or spending time with her little boys – ages 1 and 4 – she can be found doing such things as promoting petitions requiring better care of pets.
Her coworkers say she’s selfless, but now Myers is in need of help. In late-June, she was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma. According to the Mayo Clinic Web site, it is a rare form of cancer which occurs in bones or the soft tissue around the bones. It most often begins in the long bones of the pelvis, legs or arms, but can occur in any bone or the soft tissue of the arms, legs, abdomen and other locations.  Ewing sarcoma is more common in teens and young adults and major advancements in treatment have significantly improved outcomes.
 
Myers – who remains positive – underwent her first chemo treatments on June 28 and 29. After being released to go home – where she was happy to cuddle and rest with her little guys – she had to return to the hospital July 1 because of extreme nausea and pain. Just Monday, she had a drain tube inserted to remove fluid buildup in her chest. Much more chemo is in Kaylee’s future, approximately 12 to 16 weeks’ worth, followed by seven weeks of radiation, five days per week.
 
To help finance her medical journey and show support to her and her boys, a Go Fund Me page has been established. About $2,000 of the $5,000 goal has been raised. Donations can be made HERE.
 
Myers first sought medical attention after having numbness and chest pain. A tumor was discovered in her chest and four biopsies followed, leading to the Ewing sarcoma diagnosis. Because of the tumor’s proximity to her heart and key arteries and nerves, it is inoperable.  
Humane Society of Harrison County Executive Director Frankie Dennison said Kayleen is a big believer in animals and their care and welfare.
 
Even since she has been sick, she cared for and got medical treatment for a stray cat which showed up at her house, Dennison said.
 
Coworker and friend, Joe Izzo, said he had the pleasure of showing her the ropes when she first started at the Humane Society in January.
 
“It didn’t take long – in fact, her first day – when I realized how mature and confident she was. It was quite clear that this young lady had her stuff together,” he said. “During her first couple of weeks at the shelter, it felt as if we were lifelong friends. She fit right in with the staff and her love and commitment for animals was also quite clear early on.”
 
Shortly into her employment with the shelter, her coworkers were told Myers had made a trip to the emergency room with chest pains and subsequently learned of her cancer diagnosis.
 
“Kayleen has the fight of her life ahead of her, but I have no doubt she will beat this,” Izzo said.
 
The Humane Society of Harrison County is planning fundraisers, including the sale of printed pink wristbands, in her support. Bracelets can be ordered for $5 by calling 304-592-1600, at the HSHC Web site HERE or stopping by the shelter on Saltwell Road.
 
 Also in the works is a T-shirt sale, also headed up by the Humane Society. Stay up to date at the Web site or Facebook page.
 
A coworker recently raised funds for Kayleen by offering a portion of his car detailing proceeds to her cause.
 
“We wish her nothing but the best and I can’t wait for the day when she can say she is cancer free,” Izzo said.
 
Myers is a 2015 graduate of Robert C. Byrd High School, the daughter of April Myers of Quiet Dell and Brian Myers of Clarksburg.
 
Stay up to date with her battle at the Facebook page: Kayleen’s Fight with Ewing Sarcoma.



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