Support Maureen’s Breast Cancer Recovery

In January 2024, Maureen Young was diagnosed with estrogen and progesterone positive DCIS breast cancer after a routine mammogram. Weeks after her initial diagnoses, advanced imaging discovered a second isolated occurrence in the other breast that was highly invasive. On April 4th, Maureen underwent a 6.5 hour double mastectomy.

This week brought a great exhale of relief as we received the news that, after countless diagnostics, specialist appointments and escalating hard realities, Maureen’s surgeons believe that they have removed all of the breast cancer. She is on the path to reconstruction and recovery without having to endure chemotherapy or radiation. WHEW!

Anyone who has ever experienced cancer in their family knows the far reaching impact of an invasive cancer diagnosis. It is an expense of time, money, and emotional resources that reaches every corner of your world and creates complications for the rest of your life. As a small business owner, mother of two young girls, and full time mental health provider, Maureen’s plate was already overflowing prior to her diagnosis. Creating space for countless appointments, procedures, surgeries and recovery time has greatly reduced Maureen’s capacity to maintain her prior income. Even with the biggest surgery behind her, she will continue to be pulled away from her normal routine as she undergoes multiple additional reconstruction surgeries throughout 2024. Although there is no way to ease the challenge of recovery, or the significant loss of income for a family of 4, we are hoping this GoFundMe will help reduce the pressure of the mounting medical and lifestyle expenses the Young family will have to endure.

Maureen Young has the biggest and most generous heart of any human I know. She is the first to show up, volunteer, reach out, or lean into any moment of need or any opportunity for connection. I hope that anyone who reflects back on having enjoyed being on the receiving end of Maureen’s warmth will make a gesture (big or small) in support of this most graceful and loving woman and her family.

When I finally convinced Maureen to allow me to sponsor this GoFundMe, she agreed only if I added the following: “My mammogram saved my life and saved my darling girls from losing their mother. I had a clean mammogram in 2023 and things changed so quickly. Preventative care saves lives. Please get your screenings in my honor.”