This week marks 20 years free from breast cancer for me, Julie Bower. It also marks day 1 for Amy Liggett White on her journey to freedom from breast cancer.

Amy is 37 years old, a wife and the mother of two small children. She has been a beloved friend of mine since she was a baby; my daughter's playmate in a close-knit community of family friends who have been each other's support system for two generations. These families and others showered us with help when I had breast cancer surgery. But now for Amy, much of this support system lives too far away to provide help in person.

This fund is one way we can continue this community of love and support. While I am thanking God for the last 20 years He has given me, I want to comfort Amy "with the same comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:4)

Today Amy starts 6 months of chemotherapy, that will be followed by surgery and possibly more chemotherapy and radiation. She and her family have a long road ahead and many needs will arise. Amy will use these funds to lighten her load as she fights to heal and she and her husband Joe continue to care for her two-year-old and kindergartener. This fund will help her to purchase things such as freezing mitts to ease the chemotherapy side effects, housecleaning, child care, or general medical expenses, anything that will ease the burden.

Thank you for anything you can offer.