Hi, My name is Melissa and I am fundraising for my sister Talia. Talia continues to struggle with cancer discovered during her pregnancy, meanwhile, she has been having issues with breastfeeding. Being a single mom and fighting cancer has been one of the toughest journeys.

I have started this fundraiser to help her with a bit of financial stability and something she could hold on to for her son and bills. They are facing many challenges and she is becoming hopeless. As an individual without much I thought I could step in.Let's help her fight for her and her sons life it is becoming a struggle for her chemos and bills.

Today she sent me a message saying:

Today my son and I overcame a huge obstacle in my breast cancer journey. Today he breastfed for the first time after chemotherapy. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 28 weeks pregnant. My cancer was stage 2, grade 3, and triple negative (very aggressive). So, the doctors decided to start chemotherapy while I was pregnant. After 5 cycles of chemo, I gave birth to a healthy baby boy. I was told I couldn't breastfeed for weeks after chemo, so I was not allowed to feed him when he was born, and at first I was even told I wouldn't be able to pump. The lactation consultant at the hospital wouldn't even come in to see me. I kept asking questions and found a lactation consultant who was willing to do the research on my chemo meds, and find out how long it would take for each med to leave my milk. We later learned that I could breastfeed 10 days after a dose of chemotherapy. I also found out it was safe to pump. So, for 2 1/2 months I pumped and dumped to keep my milk supply, then when I started a chemotherapy with doses every other week instead of weekly, I got to breastfeed 4 days each cycle. Now, finally, after 4 months of pumping 6 times a day, I am able to breastfeed my son. We still face challenges. Radiation will likely dry up my milk on the effected side, but I feel victorious today. This was like taking the power over my body back. I'm the one in control of this one thing. This is something only I can do for my child, and if something happens to me, this is protection and health I can give him that will last the rest of his life. I am now living on negative trying to make ends meet for my child and hoping they have something to hold on to. At times it is a struggle knowing how I will continue chemo and even feeding, I cannot seem to afford the meds no more.

I have started this fundraiser to help her with a bit of financial stability and something she could hold on to for her son and bills. They are facing many challenges and she is becoming hopeless. As an individual without much I thought I could step in.Let's help her fight for her and her sons life it is becoming a struggle for her chemos and bills.

#cancer #breastfeeding #familysupport