Hi everyone, for those of you who know me this may come as a surprise. For those of you who don’t know me my name Is Gayle Gurchiek and I have stage 4 breast cancer. I’m sharing my story in hopes that it might inspire compassion, understanding, and much-needed help!
In July 2023, a lump suddenly appeared in my breast. By October, I received the devastating news: Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
This past year and a half has been a battle—physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and financially. Many of you who have faced cancer, either personally or through a loved one, know how overwhelming and all-consuming this disease is.
Since September 2023, I’ve been unable to work. My life has been consumed with doctors’ visits, treatments, and a constant daily effort to survive. I’m my own advocate.
Initially (December 2023) I received chemotherapy which caused severe and dangerous reactions—intense seizures, vision loss, constant tremors and physical collapse. Due to my extremely compromised immune system I knew I wouldn’t make it if I continued with chemo. I was determined to find alternative cancer fighting treatments that could help save me.
After countless hours of research to find treatments that could potentially save my life I landed on a functional medicine approach. These treatments have been keeping me alive by treating the whole body and root cause, not just the cancer. This isn’t guesswork — it’s science-based, personalized, and incredibly thorough which has kept me hopeful during this time.
What I’ve Accomplished — And What Comes Next:
Over the past year and a half, I’ve shrunk the cancer dramatically. As a result, I was able to stop all supplements and treatments for two weeks to get a biopsy, which my doctors are now sending to a specialized lab outside the US for an analysis that will determine exactly what can kill my cancer. I wasn’t able to do this before because my cancer is too aggressive and stopping everything is very risky.
The next critical phase of my healing:
Plasma Exchange. My body is overwhelmed with bacteria, viruses, toxins, and parasites. These pathogens have caused my white blood cell count and immune system to be dangerously low. Pathogens are what create disease so this is critical in my success. These plasma exchanges will clean my system so I can better fight the cancer.
SOT (Supportive Oligonucleotide Therapy). This cutting-edge treatment is similar to chemotherapy in delivery (IV), but without the harmful side effects. It’s fully personalized based on my DNA, my tumor, and my unique biology.
Cancer Vaccine (
Not a traditional vaccine) — this is designed to rebuild my T-cells, which are essential to fighting cancer and other threats. Mine have been wiped out by pathogens, COVID (I had it 5 times), and long-term immune strain.
All of this is critical to my survival and while this approach has absolutely saved my life thus far, it is not covered by insurance. Everything is out of pocket and I have put everything I have towards my weekly treatments.
It’s humbling, and honestly very difficult for me to ask, but I need HELP! I’ve been extremely positive and I’ve tried to do this on my own but unfortunately I have been depleted financially.
Your donation will not only help me access the treatments I urgently need — it will give me the chance to thrive, not just survive. I’ve documented my journey every step of the way and plan to share it openly to educate and support others, especially those who can’t or won’t pursue conventional treatment paths.
Now I need help to finish this fight — and pay it forward.
With love and deep gratitude,
Gayle Gurchiek
**Important Note:
When donating, fundraiser may suggest an optional tip (usually around 17.5%). You are not required to pay this — you can simply change it to zero before completing your donation. Your support means the world to me!
