Bailey Family Pink Ribbon Support

All who know Emily know that she is pure light. I am creating this fundraiser on behalf of her beautiful family as Emily navigates breast cancer, a mastectomy, chemo, and a journey of strength and recovery ahead. We are with you, Bailey family!

Emily has been a fighter since the day she was born. At four months old she endured open heart surgery for a complete AV canal defect. She grew up with minimal restrictions, but as she got older, developed heart block. When she was 19 she had her first pacemaker inserted and she could feel the impact of this immediately. Fast forward to 2019 Emily became symptomatic and discovered she has cardiomyopathy and moderate mitral valve regurgitation. In July 2020 she had a biventricular pacemaker placed to help with her cardiomyopathy.

Emily had been healing well from her heart disease, but in March 2023 noticed a portion of her areola was inverting. After several rounds of testing and ultimately a breast biopsy it was confirmed she has breast cancer. She was diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma, Grade 1, Stage 3A. It was devastating news to her.

Emily underwent a double mastectomy earlier in July and endured an excruciating recovery. She spent about four days in the hospital, where typically it’s an outpatient surgery. Due to the length under anesthesia her heart took a little hit and she went into hypotension for a few days, all while her pain was unable to be controlled. The recovery was long and hard. Each day she saw small improvements which ultimately brought large wins.

Emily has started her next chapter of her breast cancer journey with chemo treatments. She’ll have 8 treatments over the course of 16 weeks. She is expected to lose her hair most likely after round 2.

Emily’s road to recovery is long. After chemo ends, she’ll have another lymph node surgery followed by radiation daily for 5-6 weeks. Because of her heart issues, her team will need Emily to undergo radiation in Boston where they have a special machine to protect her heart. After radiation is complete, she’ll have about 10 years of endocrine therapy. She has chosen reconstruction, and will be able to have her surgery 6 months after her last radiation appointment, approximately July/August 2024.

Every decision made, every fight fought is so Emily can be here for her 8 year old daughter, Lillian and husband Rob. She’s a fighter, but has a long and difficult road ahead.

A lot of people have reached out asking how they can help. The medical expenses and financial obligations associated with cancer treatment can be overwhelming, which is why we have initiated an online fundraising effort to alleviate some of this burden.

100% of the funds will be used for medical expenses, food, transportation costs, medicine. Any amount is so greatly appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all for your love, compassion, and generosity.

#TeamEmily

#CardioCancerWarrior