“Coming into 2024, I never could have dreamed that I would be diagnosed with cancer, much less have the cancer spread throughout a good portion of my body. At the end of March 2024, my chemo journey will start and I'm going to kick this cancer's ass.” ~ Addison Smith

As a member of the BHS Class of 2016, Addison lived life to the fullest and was an excellent student. She worked in the restaurant industry part-time and spent her free time with friends. In December of 2016, she became a nursing student at Baptist University. Nursing school was far more challenging for Addison than high school had been, but she worked even harder to achieve her successes. Her nursing school journey was longer than anticipated due to the COVID Pandemic of 2020; when the world opened back up she became a member of the BU Class of 2021. Graduating in December launched her into her nursing career at a local hospital in January of 2022.

Despite having to receive multiple rounds of the COVID Vaccine in order to finish her nursing school education and maintain her career, Addison has survived three confirmed infections of COVID. After her most recent infection of COVID, in the later part of 2023, she was left with a lingering cough. She visited the doctor on several occasions due to the cough, but nothing was determined to be of issue at those times, and “Long COVID” was assumed to be the cause of her lingering cough. The cough would not abate, eventually leaving her exhausted, aching, and in physical pain. In January of 2024, Addison returned to her doctor once again and further testing was done leading to an appointment at West Clinic. Through testing at West Clinic, a mass was detected. A biopsy and PET Scan were scheduled for February, but before those appointments would arrive, Addison was admitted to the hospital with severe chest pains and shortness of breath. During her four (4) day hospitalization a measurement was done of the mass, and it was BIG, measuring 4cm x10cm x10cm. In March, the Biopsy and PET Scan were finally performed resulting in a diagnosis of Stage three (3) Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Stage three (3) because the cancer is in multiple areas of her body. Talk about turning your world upside down! A young, vibrant twenty-five (25) year old woman at the beginning of her adult life and career was now being told she would begin chemotherapy very soon, and not be returning to work indefinitely until her cancer is in remission. Another biopsy was performed and an updated diagnosis was delivered. The mass has grown and the cancer is in her marrow, now putting her at Stage four (4) Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Chemotherapy was scheduled to begin March 28, 2024, and would be an aggressive regimen of four (4) types of chemo administered at each appointment every other week for twelve (12) sessions. At the time this is being written, Addison has now had two (2) chemo treatments. She is taking each new milestone of her cancer journey with the expected initial emotional reaction to each realization as it sets in, but with an expeditious acceptance of the process of the journey, and a quick return to her jovial attitude toward life. She is remaining positive about her journey and the outcome of her treatment continuing to say “I am going to kick this cancer's ass!”

For those of us that love Addison, and have watched her grow from our chubby-cheeked, joyful little girl into the self-motivated, high-achieving, independent women she is today, this is the first life event we can't “fix” or make better with a hug, wise words, and her favorite snacks or activities. For those of us walking through this journey with her, we want nothing more than to help make this journey as less burdensome as possible for her and for Landon, her wonderful fiancé. The realities of this particular journey are that not all cancer services are covered by insurance, and can be financially devastating for anyone, especially someone young just starting out in life and their career now unable to work. Not only does this impact the financial ability to support oneself, but there are additional treatments and procedures that are impending possibilities for the future as Addison fights this cancer and the possible secondary effects of the treatment.

We ask that if you are able, please donate towards any of the uninsured medical treatments and out-of-pocket expenses. Your monetary support would be greatly appreciated. No contribution is too small! We also ask that if you cannot contribute, that you graciously consider the following things:

1. Send this to someone you know who may be able to contribute.

2. Please continue in prayer for Addison throughout her journey. The power of prayer is immeasurable! God hears and answers pray-ers!

We ask that everyone who reads about Addison's journey shares this GoFundMe with others through various methods, such as social media, email, print, and word of mouth. The more people who become aware of Addison's journey and the realities of cancer-related treatments, the better! So please SHARE, SHARE, SHARE!

For updates throughout Addison's journey, please follow All in for Addison on Facebook and TikTok

#AllinforAddison