Bring Holiday Happiness to Breast Cancer Battle

Some of you may know and others may not know that this year our friend Michaela Miller was diagnosed with breast cancer. Currently, she is bravely embarking on an intense chemotherapy journey to combat this aggressive disease. Her battle is not just personal; as a devoted mother to her 11-year-old son, Michaela's fight resonates beyond herself. This courageous journey Michaela faces extends far beyond the physical toll of treatments. It encompasses the emotional strain, the unpredictable highs and lows, and the countless moments of uncertainty that come with fighting a formidable illness. Every day, she navigates the maze of doctor's appointments, side effects, and the profound emotional weight of confronting mortality. Beyond the health challenges, the financial implications are significant. The costs of treatment, coupled with the strain of a halted income, adds an extra layer of stress.

Michaela has been a state worker for many many years. One of the perks of working in a union is that she was able to save up a ton of paid vacation and sick time to use since she has begun undergoing treatment. The other perk is that the state will hold her job for her so that when (God willing) she is fully recovered, she can return to her role full-time. However, one of the major drawbacks to her union is that she does not pay into TDI so when her paid leave time is all used up, she does not have the option to apply for temporary disability income. Fortunately, she recently received approval for part-time telework, allowing her to work from home until she undergoes one of three upcoming, essential surgeries in her fight to combat this cancer. Given her role as the sole financial provider for her son, the coming months present a substantial financial challenge.

Most of you who know Michaela likely know that her strong sense of pride makes it challenging for her to seek assistance/support, even amidst such a tumultuous period in her life. As a result, I'm connecting with you privately to gather support because I strongly believe that providing her with financial assistance, particularly during the holiday season, would be the most impactful gift we can offer. My goal is that she gets the support needed to alleviate the added strain of financial worries over the next few months. Hopefully this gift will also provide a reprieve from the anxiety and uncertainty that can often accompany the treatment journey.

I recognize the strain many face, especially during the holiday season, so I'm not asking for more than anyone can comfortably give. To help ease Michaela's holiday worries, I aim to collect donations for the purchase of gift cards to stores like Target, Walmart, Stop & Shop, and Marshalls/TJ Maxx, alongside cash donations. Your preferences for specific stores are welcome, and I'd also love to include your heartfelt messages in a card that I will share with Michaela when presenting her with these gifts. Your contributions and generosity, no matter the size, can collectively make a significant impact by not only providing practical support but also enabling Michaela to create cherished holiday memories for her son during this difficult time. Let's come together to lift her spirits and alleviate some of the weight she carries.

Thank you for your consideration in reviewing this request and if you are able to donate, thank you also for your generosity. While you are welcome and encouraged to share this message, I kindly ask that you do so discreetly through a private message thread, taking care to safeguard Michaela's privacy and to prevent any unintended public exposure that might cause her discomfort.

Please reach out to me directly if you have any questions or thoughts.

Thank you,

Shayna