Help 21-Year-Old Whitley as She Faces First Round of Chemotherapy for Stage-4 Cancer

If you've followed my posts on Facebook or Twitter about my cousin Whitley you know she is starting chemotherapy Wednesday July 4th.  While she is a strong gal we've decided to do something that's bound to put a smile on her face.

Whitley is my 21-year-old cousin that I grew up with in Arkansas.  About two weeks ago she went to the hospital after seeing a doctor about a cough she'd had for a month.  They admitted her into the hospital and weren't to sure what was wrong.  After running numerous tests they found she has tumor cells in her lungs that are cancerous and suspicious looking scans around the pelvic area however the exact origins of the cancer is still not yet known. What is known, however, is that young Whitley has Stage-4 cancer.

Whitley starts chemotherapy at MD Anderson in Houston, TX on Wednesday July 4th and they hope to find exactly where the cancer came from.  Whitley is a smart, strong, talented and beautiful young lady.  She is a senior at Southern Arkansas University majoring in Business Management with plans to attend cosmetology school after college and eventually opening her own salon.  While she is staying in high spirits she does have a long journey ahead of her.  I've been able to text with Whitley regularly but wish I could just chat with her on the phone.  Talking gets the cough stirred up so it's best to just text right now.  The best thing she's texted me is 'Look out cancer, here I come.' which her positivity has helped to keep myself along with my family going.  My family and I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have sent in thoughts and prayers for Whitley and we'd hug your neck if we could.

Starting this week, we are going to make a video message that I can take to Houston and give to her.  If you would like to participate in the video it's simple.  All we need is a 10-15 second long video where you say something like "Hi Whitley, I'm John Smith and you're going to kick cancer's butt!"  You can send prayers, thoughts, songs, a funny message to just make her laugh or smile.  In the age of smartphones it's so easy to make a video and email it out.  Just something to let her know people care and she's going to make it through this.  We are trying to incorporate some of our Texas/Red Dirt artists in this as well.  If you would like to join just send your video to myself at ben.ryan@townsquaremedia.com or Lauren Zimmerman at lauren.zimmerman@townsquaremedia.com and we will get your video loaded in. When we collect all of the videos, we’ll make a montage for her of all of your well wishes.

If you can't do video send us an audio clip and we will try to work that in as well.  The last day to submit is July 13th.  We appreciate your help in lifting the spirit of young Whitley.  Thank you.