A Cure for Kristin

Please look at the woman in the photo. Her name is Kristin Egan. She is surrounded by four of her nephews (from left: Sully, Paddy, Callan and Finn), who think the world of their "Aunt Monkey," as she is known. They know she is kind, generous, funny, considerate, helpful, and supportive. They know she loves them very much, as much as any mother loves her own children. What the boys don't know is that Kristin is fighting for her life. She has Stage IIIb breast cancer, and the funds raised will help her pay medical bills and seek further treatment options.

The boys understand some but not all of Kristin's illness. They know she goes to the doctor often. They know she's lost her hair. They cannot comprehend a world without her. None of us can. That is why we fight. That is why we hope. That is why we cling to love when our faith is shaken, and our trust in everything is shattered.

We know we are not unique - many women the world over fight the same fight. We honor them. But Kristin is ours, and we are very protective. We will do whatever it takes to give her the resources she needs to keep fighting this cancer. We will sell everything, give anything, make any solemn vow to keep her with us. So, we now humbly ask for your help. Please.

Kristin doesn't really want this. She hates to be a burden. She has always lived to help others, to be useful. She works hard. She likes to travel, and she loves spending time with her family. She is a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a friend, a second mother to her nephews, and she is a good person who hasn't been given fair shake in this world. She lives a peaceful, clean life, and she doesn't deserve the cancer growing inside her. She has completed 20 weeks of chemotherapy, but unfortunately it's not enough. She is being referred to MD Anderson in Houston for further evaluation and treatment. There could be surgery, radiation, or more chemo.

Thank you for taking the time to read Kristin's story. We appreciate any help you give. Like her nephews in the photo, we are surrounding our Monkey with love and support. But we need more. We need your help. Thanks again.