My name is Ashley & as some of you may know, I have been diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer, which is one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, on Dec. 19th, 2024, at the age of 26.

A few months prior to the date I was officially diagnosed, I had some suspicions because I did have an unusual lump in my right breast. So, I immediately went to the ER; after hours of waiting, they sent me home, telling me, "It was nothing to worry about; it's normal." Fast forward, the lump started to enlarge in size, and now another lump formed under my armpit. For weeks, I was in so much pain, which led me to go to the hospital again, but a different one. After the hospital visit, they recommended I get further tests done because things did look "unusual." I then went on to get a biopsy and mammogram, and both came back positive for breast cancer. I am undergoing chemo currently, but soon I'll have to have surgery to have a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts) due to me having a mutation gene called BRCA1, which means it is possible to develop in the opposite breast, then after radiation.

There are days where I am literally just weak, not even having the energy to go out. And it's also hard being that I am a full-time mom to a 1-year-old. Sometimes I can't even do things for him or just enjoy time with him because of pain some days, which is one of the hardest things to do because he needs every bit of my attention at this age.

I have now been receiving care at a cancer center in Philadelphia, PA, which has been a very long journey and sometimes hard because I have to commute 2 hours and have to purchase rentals weekly in order to get to my doctor's appointments. Due to me having to get many tests done, my insurance doesn't cover certain tests required for me to get. I haven't really been able to work because I am on a very high dosage of medication, which affects me daily.

I am normally not one to ask for any sort of help and normally just figure things out on my own. Anything would truly help out, and I would appreciate it. Thank you.