ChaptTass (Autumn) - Urgent Breast Cancer Fight

***For those of you who know me in real life, "ChaptTass" is the name I use online.

I am the proud, single mother of a 28-year-old son who took a job on the West Coast right out of college. I am a long-time animal foster, including 4 long-term kitties from Kuwait, belonging to active-duty soldiers. I am a neighbor who takes care of others' yards (year-round) for free because they are no longer able to do so for themselves. I am a friend who does my best to make those around me feel loved, supported, and like they are my family. I am known to embarrass myself in order to make those around me smile (I went to the hospital dressed as a unicorn when a friend was having heart surgery), and I have always given to others when I have more than they do (I paid for a co-worker to have housing for 3 months when I found out they were living in their car). I am a dedicated, full-time construction employee who gladly works roughly 80 hours per week during our season (then takes lay-off during the winter months); travels as needed (sometimes only spending 1.5 days at home every 2 weeks). Unfortunately, my job is outdoors and physical. I unfortunately am not able to work during this difficult journey.

I live a modest life in the Midwest, drive a 1999 GMC Sonoma with 209,000 miles on it. It recently developed issues that are not cost effective to fix, and I have been left without transportation. Uber is very expensive because I have treatment every week along with other appointments. I do have some amazing friends that have been getting me places when I need, but in the event of an emergency, I would have to call an ambulance.

I also have medical bills mounting, at an astonishing rate, for sure!

With the very recent (diagnosed on April 23, 2025) diagnosis of a "highly invasive," Grade III, 3 negative, breast cancer, I'm not able to help myself financially. I have had a double mastectomy, a secondary surgery for more biopsies, in other areas that lit up on my pet scan, a third surgery to have a chemotherapy port installed, and am now, in chemotherapy, infusion treatment, until December.

Everyone was so amazing and helping me to get my son here for my surgery in April. I have been encouraged by others to restart this with the hopes of covering what I need, going forward.

Here is the breakdown:

$5000 for vehicle/$1200 1 yr. Insurance

$200 cost of food for 4 weeks

$150 cost of electric/gas bill (1 month)

$120 cell phone/internet bill (1 month)

$50 water/sewer/garbage bill (1 month)

$800 rent (1 month)

$150 medication co-pay estimate (based on the surgeon stating I will have an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory, a pain medication, and supplies relating to the care of my drain tubes; this is an estimate based on a standard co-pay of $30/medication and $50 for supplies, plus $10 for total taxes)

I know that everyone is struggling with our economy right now. Please, DO NOT overextend yourself in an effort to help me. I just feel that I have to access every resource possible in an effort to keep fighting!

I have included some redacted medical proof from my chart. I have also included a photo of myself at work and one with my son. I will post updates, milestones, and changes in my care plan, along with photos of my journey.

Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and read my story. Also, thank you to everyone who chooses to share my story with others.

And, lastly, thank you to everyone who is able and willing to assist me at this time!