My wife, Kristin, has spent her life helping other people. Starting as a medical assistant at age 18, she has been able to tend to those in vulnerable moments. She's been the reassuring voice, the person who shows up when someone is scared, hurting, or does not understand why this is happening. She's offered caring, understanding, and encouragement. Now, as a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist, she trains others so they can take care of those in need as she once did.

Caring for others is not just her job — it is who she is.

And she doesn’t just take care of patients.

She has taken care of me for many of the years we have known each other. You see, for over 20 years, I battled alcohol addiction stemming from a childhood sexual assault. I was out of control, lost, dishonest, and to be honest, not a great person. But somehow, through some of the hardest, darkest parts of my life, Kristin stood by me. She supported me when I did not deserve it. She encouraged me when I wanted to give up. She believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself. Even when we separated due to my disease, she was always looking out for me. Most importantly, she held me responsible for my actions and demanded accountability. Because of her strength and unwavering love, I was able to fight for my recovery and reclaim my life.

Now she is the one facing the fight of her life.

Kristin was recently diagnosed with HER2-positive, hormone receptor–positive Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 3.

My beautiful wife has breast cancer.

Those words change everything in an instant. One moment we are recovering from a turbulent life… the next we are planning biopsies, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, surgeries, and months of treatment.

Treatment will require both of us to miss work. The medical bills, over $7500 out of pocket minimum, insurance copays, and lost wages are already overwhelming. And here is the part that is hardest for me to say:

I feel helpless.

For so many years, she helped me while I was fighting my addiction. Now that she needs strength, stability, and security the most, I wish I could fully provide it on my own. It breaks my heart that I am not in a position to take care of her the way she has taken care of me and others.

So I am asking for help.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. Every contribution will go directly toward medical expenses and helping us stay afloat during treatment. If you are not in a position to give, sharing this page and keeping Kristin in your thoughts and prayers means more than you know.

With humility and gratitude,

Andrew Ottosen