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First Responders
My sister is in the ICU with a tumor, please help 🙏🏻
First Responders
Catastrophic Loss
Massachusetts
Created October 16th, 2020

My sister, Anna Herdlein, has always been the most caring, loving, funny, intelligent, and healthy person I knowUnfortunately, just two short months ago, she started developing some abdominal issues which caused her severe pain. Shesought professional help. After many doctor and emergency room visits, Anna underwent minor surgery to relieve her symptomsThe surgery uncovered problems more severe than our family could have ever imagined, revealing that Anna’s abdomen was riddled with lesions and a fast-growing tumor. As of now, due to the complications from the lesions and tumorAnna is in the Intensive Care Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. She has yet to receive an official diagnosis for the lesions and tumor in her abdomen, but we are hoping for the best.

 

Anna’s academic and professional life has always been focused on helping others. In 2013, received her B.A. in psychology from the University of Iowawhere she also studied Swahili. During her time at Iowa, Anna was a first-rate student. Most notable was her research with faculty studying mental health treatment issues, an unusual activity for an undergraduate.Clearly, Anna’s professors saw something special in her. This fall, Anna began a graduate certificate program at UMass Lowell in public health. After only a few weeks in class, Anna’s public health professor is already speaking her praises.

 

In her careerAnna has continued her dedication to communityserviceShe has worked in residential mental health treatment centers and most recentlyshe did service work with Americorp,conducting trainings about harm reduction. In addition, Anna has done volunteer work in needle exchanges anfood banks, among other organizationsOne of her favorite volunteer activities was with the Brown Dog Coalition, a Massachusetts animal rescue organization, where she fostered dogs in need of temporary homes prior to adoption. Anyone who knows Anna knows about her love of dogs. Of course, community service work doesn’t always pay the bills so on weekends Anna works double-shifts at the Cheesecake Factory.

 

As you might imagine, Anna’s medical bills are starting to mount, and her medical insurance will not cover all of them. I am asking—my family is asking—for your help to pay these bills. Please honor Anna’s community service and her life by making a donation to this fund for Anna’s medical expenses. Anna turns 30 on October 19th so a donation would also be a wonderful birthday present. No amount is too small. We know Anna will be grateful, and so will my family and I.

 

Many thanks for your support!

 

Matthew Herdlein and the Herdlein Family

Donations & Comments

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Christine Ostergaard
Christine Ostergaard donated $100

Prayers and peace for those left behind.

3 years ago
Anonymous
Anonymous donated $40

I worked with Anna at the Puritan many years ago. She was a wonderful, caring, funny, amazing person. I am so sorry for what your family has gone and is going through.

3 years ago
Jessica Wilson
Jessica Wilson donated $100

From the team at Mill City Grows.

3 years ago
Jeanne Phelan
Jeanne Phelan donated $50
3 years ago
Lesley Fessenden
Lesley Fessenden donated $100
3 years ago
Maria Alvino
Maria Alvino donated $50
3 years ago
Cynthia Teeple
Cynthia Teeple donated $50

This donation was slipped into my hand by a work colleague and long-time friend. She simply said, "This is for Sharon and Anna." Thank you, MaryAnn Hoffmann, from the bottom of our hearts.

3 years ago
Annie S. Borofsky
Annie S. Borofsky donated $100

Dearest Sharon, I am Annie and work with Cindy. I am so terribly sorry for what you and your beautiful daughter are suffering through. I think and pray for you every day. God bless you, Anna and the rest of your family. AnnieB

3 years ago
Cynthia Teeple
Cynthia Teeple donated $50

This is actually a donation from my good friend and work colleague who handed me this money in cash and said, "This is for your Anna." THANK YOU, JANET DEGIACOMO!

3 years ago
Nickie Lustig
Nickie Lustig donated $100

Stay strong Anna!

3 years ago
My sister is in the ICU with a tumor, please help 🙏🏻
$27,685 raised of $10,000 goal
229
Donors
52
Shares
169 Days
Ran
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Organizer
Sharon Herdlein
Beneficiary
Beneficiary Photo
Anna Herdlein
Fundraiser Stats
229
Donors
52
Shares
169 Days
Ran