Cancer treatments & Business financial support

I am the helper, it is my namesake. Cassandra, helper of mankind.

I have dedicated my life to my family, my patients and my community. I rarely ask for help, not sure if it’s because I’m stubborn, or I know the strength I have with in. But I’m on my knees. I need help.

Up to this point, I have have been fairly close to the chest about my diagnosis of breast cancer. It all started in July when Lance notice a “ shadow“ on my right breast.

I’ve been journaling my journey as a way to process my thoughts and feelings. I am happy to share this with you all, hoping it may help bring awareness and supo to those who may need it. I am working to find the best platform to share on.

This has been truly life shifting moment for me, my husband, our two beautiful girls, entire family and friends. I was always raised with the firm believe of expressing gratitude for even the littlest things, and to always trust in God, especially in moments of darkness He will lead the way. Where some may question, why me? I’m releasing everything to God.

Those that have been in my presence, especially my patients, know that I always look for the silver lining. When things appear to be the darkest we have to look to the light. I know that at the end, I will be OK. But things have become abundantly clear and I am listening. I cannot focus on everyone else right now, I have to focus on my healing. Without me, being at my best, I cannot help others. Which is what I was born to do.

I’ve had hiccups, setbacks, emergency room visits, (I wrote this from my hospital bed) and walking through hell. It has become the clear to me that my goal of “working through chemo, because you know I can do that. I can do anything, if I set my mind to it. I have responsibilities. People need me.”, is not God’s plan. So I’m letting go and asking for help.

On Friday, October 27th after several delays, I had my first round of chemo. What was expected to be a three month journey followed by radiation. The “expected” treatment time is to conclude sometime in April (hopefully). I have not worked since before my surgery, August 31.

My business has exhausted its funding. It is operating with the help of a wonderful team, but it’s just not meeting overhead expenses. This practice is more than a business, it is my passion and 15 years of dedicated time, love and energy. It is the lifeline for so many of my patients in the community that I serve. It’s also a lifeline for my family. Unfortunately, the downside to be a strong independent entrepreneur is that there is no PTO, sickleave, or other secure, financial backing, nor is it economy proof, or any other kind of stability. This means that my family is now faced with the financial weight of the business, instead of receiving the benefit of my hard work.

We are thankful for the ability to have medical care, yet deductibles and copayments are steep in this kind of treatment. Not to mention the time Lance has had to takeoff to care for me.

It is no easy ask for me, remember, I’m the one that helps others. But I need your help. The funds raised local to ease the financial stress on my family and save my business. So that I can focus solely on healing, fully and completely. It this most critical time we have seen the love and generosity from the least expected places. My hope, is that this journey will allow me to help others heal and live. No matter how small, it is, so gratefully appreciated.