Abbys Fight Against Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Many of you know our sister Abby as a funny, down for anything, and here-for-a-good-time kind of person. She is quick to support and love on her people. However, its now Abby that needs everyone’s love, positivity, and support.

Abby was recently diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma. We have been working hard to ensure Abby receives the best care possible in the coming months. Due to these unforeseen circumstances, Abby’s financial situation is something we are working to address. Our goal with this GoFundMe is to help Abby manage what could be thousands of dollars in medical bills. Abby is only 19 years old and currently enrolled in college at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga.

As you can imagine, this is an exhausting and difficult situation to experience at any point in life, but especially as a young adult. We are humbly asking, alongside Abby, for financial support to make it possible for her to receive the best care on her healing journey.

This is what community is for: showing up to celebrate and encourage each other in the good times, but also steadfastly showing up and supporting each other during life’s challenges.

This GoFundMe was created by Abby’s siblings; however, these funds will benefit Abby and her treatment, medical expenses, living expenses, and school tuition – in that order of priority.

First and foremost, our number one priority is funding fertility preservation for Abby. Chemotherapy has many side effects, and its impact on fertility is one of our main concerns. Given Abby's young age, we want to ensure that she has the resources and ability to have a family when the time is right for her. Fertility preservation can be an expensive procedure that is not covered by insurance and can range from $10,000-$15,000.

These funds may also be used for:

1. Any additional medical bills Abby receives for her treatment. Abby is currently on state insurance that does not have coverage for everything she may need. This means she may have additional medical bills to cover due to her treatment - and these funds will help with that.

2. Living expenses. Abby has an apartment in Chattanooga where she pays monthly bills to live. These funds will help cover living expenses for her apartment, along with other monthly living expenses while she is receiving treatment (e.g., groceries, gas money). Abby will be unable to work during treatment, given that her current employment situation relies on her being on her feet serving tables.

3. Tuition and school fees. As we mentioned, Abby is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Chattanooga. It’s possible that if Abby cannot continue as a full-time student, she may lose some of her financial aid, which is currently funding her tuition and a portion of her living expenses.

4. Any remaining funds after Abby completes treatment (and kicks cancer's ass) will go directly to her for any additional support she may need to get back on her feet after receiving treatment. These can include expenses such as college tuition fees, help with rent, and other expenses as they arise.

Abby is in good spirits and wants to get moving on treatment so she can get back to being the goofball that she is. Please give what you can – no donation is too small. If you cannot support monetarily, please share this link with your network to help get the word out. We will do our best to keep posting updates here so loved ones can continue to cheer Abby on while she fights this off.

If you would like to leave words of encouragement for Abby with your donation, you can click the 'Add a comment' link in the email receipt after donating to do so.

Lastly: Thank you, thank you, thank you - from the bottom of our hearts. We are so grateful for all of the outpouring of love and support.

With Love,

Abby's Family, Friends, & Loved Ones