Caitlin Sweeney and Hayley Clark are organizing this fundraiser in support of their sister, Kelsey Clark, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 31. To say we are all devastated and shocked is an understatement but she is determined to fight and we’re determined to be right behind her helping in any way that we can.

In June 2021, Kelsey felt a small lump in her upper right breast tissue. After getting checked out by her doctor and having a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy completed, she finally got the call on July 16th (happy birthday) that she has invasive ductal carcinoma (breast cancer).

Besides getting blood work for genetic testing, having MRI’s done, going through chemotherapy, surgery, biopsies, and possible radiation, Kelsey also needs to consider fertility options. She hopes, if it’s in the cards for her, to become a mother one day. With this, she will need to preserve her fertility through medical/drug treatments.

In addition to the fertility concerns, one of the hardest things to mentally go through as a women diagnosed with cancer, is hair loss. With chemo, it’s inevitable that Kelsey will lose her hair, but with some amazing new technology (science rocks!), there are cold caps that she can wear to help preserve her hair follicles in hopes that she will not lose it all. Unfortunately, cold caps are not covered by insurance, with the cost being between $1500 and $2000.

Kelsey is in her last year of graduate school and hopes to graduate this May of 2022. If she is successful, she will receive her PhD in Biology! But unfortunately, as a grad student, she only makes a small stipend for her teaching assistantship which right now is her only source of income. She also has to pay for health insurance through healthcare marketplace and has a very high deductible and out-of-pocket maximum. With all the cancer treatments, fertility treatments, cold-cap, and travel expenses, Kelsey will have a lot to pay out of her own pocket.

This page was started in hopes of removing some of the financial stress or burden from Kelsey so that she can focus on kicking cancer’s butt! If you are able to, please support her in any way you can, whether it is volunteering your time, giving a prayer or sending a donation. Anything and everything helps. And if you know Kelsey, she will 100% pay this forward some day! Please keep her and our family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much!