Support Kristen in her cancer battle

On July 4, 2024 I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductile Carcinoma Grade 3 Her2+ breast cancer. Hearing those words shattered my world. My first thoughts weren’t even about myself, but about my son, Jacob. How would this affect him? How would I get through months of treatment and still be the mother he deserves? How would I survive this, not just physically but emotionally and financially?

The truth is this fight is longer and harder than I ever expected. I had surgery at the end of July to insert my chemo port, four months of chemotherapy from August to December, a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction surgery in January, a third surgery to remove my port in March, an upcoming invasive revision surgery scheduled for June, and I am currently going through 10 months of targeted therapy Phesgo injections (Herceptin + Perjeta) every 3 weeks as part of my treatment plan. I will continue to have CT scans every few months over the next few years since this cancer was extremely aggressive and has a higher risk of recurrence than other some breast cancer types. The treatment is lengthy, exhausting, and completely life-altering. On top of battling for my health, I’m also battling to keep my life together for my son —to keep a roof over our heads, to make sure he feels safe, and to give him as much normalcy as possible in a situation that is anything but normal.

2024 showed no grace and alongside my cancer battle I also had to battle major issues with my home. The biggest one being a major roof leak which left me needing to replace half of my roof during my chemo treatments. The aftermath of that has left the need to replace many areas of ceiling damage so I can sell the house, downsize and reduce the financial stress and focus on my health and healing. I was hoping to have my house listed prior to my January surgery but trying to accomplish this has been difficult between both the physical limitations that come with cancer treatment and medical expenses that have me nearly over my head financially.

Over the years, I’ve contributed to so many fundraisers, always wanting to help others in their hardest moments. But now, I find myself on the other side—humbled, vulnerable, uncomfortable, and, honestly, embarrassed. I am not one that likes to ask for help, and I have been trying my hardest these last 8 months on one income and working full time and pushing through the side effects of my treatments since I do not have any disability benefits. I still have a long road ahead and I’ve realized that I can’t do this alone. Each day brings new challenges, new fears, but also new hope. I do my best to maintain a smile through it all and try to keep a positive attitude but on the inside I have been nothing short of scared.

I’ve seen firsthand how support can change a life and your support means everything. It took a lot of humbling on my end to get to the point of acceptance that I need to swallow my pride and ask for help or I’m going to be in a whirlwind of trouble soon enough. I’ve always believed in the goodness of people. And now, I have to rely on that same goodness. If you’ve ever wondered how you can help—this is how. Your support, whether through a donation, sharing my story, or simply sending continued prayers, makes all the difference. It helps ensure that while I’m fighting this disease, my son can still have the stability he deserves. It gives me the ability to focus on healing instead of the overwhelming fear of how I’ll keep our lives intact through it all. It’s not just about the financial burden, though that is real and overwhelming. It’s about knowing that there are people out there who believe in me, who want to see me get through this.

The donation you give — no matter the amount — will go directly toward helping:

✅ Covering my out of pocket medical expenses. I wasn’t prepared for a life changing diagnoses at the age of 39 so my deductibles alone for 2024-2025 exceed $15,000.

✅ The therapies, testing, post surgical items, wigs, compression sleeve and garments along with other unexpected costs that come with battling cancer and enduring chemotherapy that insurance does not cover.

✅ Supporting my recovery so I can focus on healing and being there for my son without financial stress.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being a part of my fight. Thank you for your prayers, and financial support and for sharing this GoFundMe campaign. ❤️