I'd like to state a very obvious fact: CANCER SUCKS! As scary and frightening as cancer is and as detrimental as it can be, often times heroic stories, families, and people emerge from this horrible nightmare. I would like to introduce you to one such person. Many of you who are reading this already know the grace, power, and beauty that is Amy Gustafson. For those of you who are new to this story, thank you for your interest.
On May 1, 2013 at age 26, Amy was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Those are words no one wants to hear, especially at age 26, and having just been recently blessed with a baby boy. However, through her faith in God and the unwavering support of her family, Amy faced this horrific diagnosis with amazing strength and courage.
Those of you who have experienced cancer either personally or with someone close to you understand that the diagnosis is but the beginning of the journey. Amy battled through multiple surgeries, countless hospital visits, removals then reconstructions. She lost her hair, lost sleep, lost weight, lost income, lost "parts" of her, and lost time with her son. But she never lost sight of what was most important: she never lost faith that the Lord would bring her through this.
Family and friends marveled at her ability to see the bright side of things. She always talked in the positive, despite how debilitating the surgeries and medications made her feel. And while her battled raged, Amy managed the physical strength and mental resolve to continue teaching, shaping the hearts and minds of her 2nd grade class. Her students were interested in what their favorite teacher was going through and welcomed her back from each treatment or surgery with open arms, hugs, and smiles. Her hometown was electrified by her courage and grace, and rallied behind her. Friends welcomed time with a very dear and special friend. Through it all, she was truly an inspiration to all those who came to know her and her story.
Amy continued chemo until November 2014, after being given a clean bill of health in November 2013. During that time and the following year, she was able to truly start healing both physically and emotionally. Life as a daughter, mother, sister, teacher, and friend finally stabilized and went back to normal. With life’s pieces falling back into place, Amy was once again living the life every young woman deserves to live: enjoying times with her family and friends, building her teaching career, and looking forward to the future, healthy and cancer-free.
For the next 17 months, all seemed right in Amy's world - until the headaches began. With increased frequency and pain, Amy was forced to visit her doctor. An MRI was ordered, and on her son's 4th birthday, April 20, 2016, a very unexpected blow came. Just three years after her initial cancer diagnosis, the MRI revealed a metastatic brain tumor. All factors pointed to removing the tumor as soon as possible and surgery was scheduled just a few days later.
Once again, Amy's world was turned upside down. Life was back on hold. But once again, Amy found an inner strength few will ever know. She faced the uncertainty of the brain surgery with the same strength and grace she had demonstrated just a few years prior.
With the Lord ever present, the neurosurgeon and his team of specialists successfully removed the cancerous mass. Surgery was then followed a few weeks later by a radiation treatment known as Gamma-Knife (a new and leading-edge procedure for the hospital) followed by another surgery to place a port (her third) for chemotherapy treatments. Chemo began on June 2 with two cancer-blocking drugs, which will be given via her port every three weeks. Three additional drugs to be taken orally every day were also started on June 2. This regimen is expected to continue through the end of 2016. During this timeframe, Amy's health will continue to be monitored frequently with blood tests and MRIs.
Once again the pieces of Amy's world are slowly being put back into place. Despite knowing this is a long and arduous journey, one that will have both ups and downs, Amy is ever present. She understands that cancer does not define her and that this is but another chapter in her book of life. She understands what it takes to beat this hideous disease. In her first battle with cancer, she "fought like a girl" and won. Her resolve is steadfast, her commitment unwaivering. She knows the Lord. She knows He has a plan for her and that He holds her in His arms. Through her actions and her words, Amy continues to inspire all of us who know her and her story.
Thank you for taking time to read Amy's story. We hope it has given you insight into the battle this remarkable young lady has endured. We hope it moves you to share her story with your friends and family. Hers is a story of courage and grace, and it is our hope that Amy's story has touched and inspired you as it has done for countless others. The purpose of this page is simple: the financial encumbrance this journey has created for Amy is tremendous and if you can help relieve this burden in anyway, it is greatly appreciated. Please know that the emotional strain cancer creates is also a tremendous burden. Your thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes are deeply appreciated and heartfelt. We encourage you to give as you can.
It is only fitting to close with a quote from Amy herself. This was received three days after her successful brain surgery:
"It's been a whirlwind of mixed emotions and feelings through this all, but I know He has a plan for me and I am not giving up!"
On May 1, 2013 at age 26, Amy was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. Those are words no one wants to hear, especially at age 26, and having just been recently blessed with a baby boy. However, through her faith in God and the unwavering support of her family, Amy faced this horrific diagnosis with amazing strength and courage.
Those of you who have experienced cancer either personally or with someone close to you understand that the diagnosis is but the beginning of the journey. Amy battled through multiple surgeries, countless hospital visits, removals then reconstructions. She lost her hair, lost sleep, lost weight, lost income, lost "parts" of her, and lost time with her son. But she never lost sight of what was most important: she never lost faith that the Lord would bring her through this.
Family and friends marveled at her ability to see the bright side of things. She always talked in the positive, despite how debilitating the surgeries and medications made her feel. And while her battled raged, Amy managed the physical strength and mental resolve to continue teaching, shaping the hearts and minds of her 2nd grade class. Her students were interested in what their favorite teacher was going through and welcomed her back from each treatment or surgery with open arms, hugs, and smiles. Her hometown was electrified by her courage and grace, and rallied behind her. Friends welcomed time with a very dear and special friend. Through it all, she was truly an inspiration to all those who came to know her and her story.
Amy continued chemo until November 2014, after being given a clean bill of health in November 2013. During that time and the following year, she was able to truly start healing both physically and emotionally. Life as a daughter, mother, sister, teacher, and friend finally stabilized and went back to normal. With life’s pieces falling back into place, Amy was once again living the life every young woman deserves to live: enjoying times with her family and friends, building her teaching career, and looking forward to the future, healthy and cancer-free.
For the next 17 months, all seemed right in Amy's world - until the headaches began. With increased frequency and pain, Amy was forced to visit her doctor. An MRI was ordered, and on her son's 4th birthday, April 20, 2016, a very unexpected blow came. Just three years after her initial cancer diagnosis, the MRI revealed a metastatic brain tumor. All factors pointed to removing the tumor as soon as possible and surgery was scheduled just a few days later.
Once again, Amy's world was turned upside down. Life was back on hold. But once again, Amy found an inner strength few will ever know. She faced the uncertainty of the brain surgery with the same strength and grace she had demonstrated just a few years prior.
With the Lord ever present, the neurosurgeon and his team of specialists successfully removed the cancerous mass. Surgery was then followed a few weeks later by a radiation treatment known as Gamma-Knife (a new and leading-edge procedure for the hospital) followed by another surgery to place a port (her third) for chemotherapy treatments. Chemo began on June 2 with two cancer-blocking drugs, which will be given via her port every three weeks. Three additional drugs to be taken orally every day were also started on June 2. This regimen is expected to continue through the end of 2016. During this timeframe, Amy's health will continue to be monitored frequently with blood tests and MRIs.
Once again the pieces of Amy's world are slowly being put back into place. Despite knowing this is a long and arduous journey, one that will have both ups and downs, Amy is ever present. She understands that cancer does not define her and that this is but another chapter in her book of life. She understands what it takes to beat this hideous disease. In her first battle with cancer, she "fought like a girl" and won. Her resolve is steadfast, her commitment unwaivering. She knows the Lord. She knows He has a plan for her and that He holds her in His arms. Through her actions and her words, Amy continues to inspire all of us who know her and her story.
Thank you for taking time to read Amy's story. We hope it has given you insight into the battle this remarkable young lady has endured. We hope it moves you to share her story with your friends and family. Hers is a story of courage and grace, and it is our hope that Amy's story has touched and inspired you as it has done for countless others. The purpose of this page is simple: the financial encumbrance this journey has created for Amy is tremendous and if you can help relieve this burden in anyway, it is greatly appreciated. Please know that the emotional strain cancer creates is also a tremendous burden. Your thoughts, prayers, and healing vibes are deeply appreciated and heartfelt. We encourage you to give as you can.
It is only fitting to close with a quote from Amy herself. This was received three days after her successful brain surgery:
"It's been a whirlwind of mixed emotions and feelings through this all, but I know He has a plan for me and I am not giving up!"
Organizer and beneficiary
Amy Gustafson
Beneficiary