Fundraiser Underway For Redondo Mom With Stage IV Breast Cancer

REDONDO BEACH, CA — A fundraiser is underway for a Redondo Beach mom who was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. After months of surgery, medication and treatment, Tamie Hopkins' healthcare team successfully removed all traces of cancer — but now medical bills are trickling in from her surgeries, hospitalizations and medications, and the mom of two young boys, ages 9 and 12, has been unable to work.

Post-radiation testing will be performed around September to determine whether are not there any signs of cancer, Hopkins said. Following the mastectomy, there were a few signs that cancer may linger in her tissue, however, that was prior to her radiation therapy, she said.

"In light of this, she is still in need of donations and all forms of love and support," fundraiser organizer Linda Russell wrote on the GoFundMe page. "Your generosity is always greatly appreciated and has made a significant difference."

In October 2018, Hopkins was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer, including two tumors on her left breast along with fibroids reaching to her lymph nodes, the fundraiser said. A few weeks later, doctors found a one centimeter spot on her spine and Hopkins' diagnosis was bumped up to Stage IV cancer, Russell said.

Hopkins started chemotherapy, and she is undergoing more than a year's worth of aggressive surgery, radiation, reconstructive surgery and medication, according to Russell. Hopkins and her fiancé were planning a wedding for April 2019, but it was postponed due to her treatments, recovery and lack of funds. Due to her extensive care plan, she is not working for the unforeseeable future. But when she was well, she worked as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist for Hyland’s Homeopathic.

"It is with great dismay that I find myself writing a case scenario about someone so near and dear to me for 32 years," Russell wrote in October. "As difficult as it is for her to reach out and ask for financial assistance, she does not have the capacity to afford medical and living expenses solely on disability."

In a June 26 update to the campaign, Russell wrote that Hopkins needed emergency surgery for a recent staph infection, but is recovering. She needs to have reconstructive surgery soon, so an additional fundraising event will be held Wednesday, August 21 at the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach. Tickets are $30, and there is a two item minimum on food and/or drinks. Raffle tickets may also be purchased, and Hopkins will receive all funds raised from ticket and raffle sales.

"Any donation and/or sharing of this campaign, love, support, prayers and positive vibes are greatly appreciated," Russell said. "Let’s help Tamie beat cancer, and do so with all the support possible."

Here is the GoFundMe page for Tamie Hopkins. To buy tickets to the Comedy and Magic Club fundraising event, e-mail Linda Russell at lindarussell90254@yahoo.com.

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