Hi! I’m Maddie, I’m 34 years old, and in August of last year, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer. I discovered the lump myself and have been fiercely advocating for myself ever since. This year I completed 5 months of chemotherapy, had a double mastectomy surgery with tissue expanders placed, and completed 6 weeks of daily radiation. On Tuesday 11/11/25, I will have my first reconstructive surgery to remove the expanders and undergo a DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction. I worked full time through treatment to maintain my health insurance and support myself, but I will need at least 6 weeks off of work for my reconstructive surgery this year, as well as a month of recovery for my second reconstruction surgery in the spring. I qualify for FMLA through my employer, but it is an unpaid leave that allows me 12 unpaid weeks during which I will pay to maintain my health insurance and have a job to return to afterward. I am in need of financial assistance so that I can survive and heal from these surgeries. I am continually applying for financial aid for cancer patients, but admittedly, I am in a pretty scary and tough spot. While I am confident in my body’s abilities to heal and grow through this, I really need some help getting through the financial burden of it all. I live alone near Downtown Austin and need support in paying for not only my mounting medical bills, but also my living expenses during my recovery time spent not working. I truly had no idea how overwhelming the cost of a cancer diagnosis and treatment would be. I’ve worked tirelessly to provide for myself while also beating cancer and healing from the journey, but I could still use some more support. Every little bit helps, even if it’s just sharing this link around. Thank you, in advance, for your support, prayers, love, and donations. I literally cannot get through this alone, and I am so grateful for my many blessings. Thank you!!!