Hello my dear family and friends,

I really struggled with my decision to do this, partly because I was wanting to keep this private and partly because I have never had to ask anyone for money before, and have always stood on my own two feet.

I justified my decision knowing that if one of my family or friends asked for my help (financial or otherwise), that I would gladly give it. I also want to thank Dena Silvers for her courage and inspiration by going public with her own battle with breast cancer.

On Friday, October 8th, I will be having a lumpectomy on my right breast. The official biopsy diagnosis was “small focus of atypical ductal hyperplasia with microcalcifications”. My understanding is that this is not a malignant form of cancer yet, but can turn into it. We will know more when it’s removed and the entire tissue sample can be biopsied. More than anything else, I could use your prayers.

So here’s the hard part for me….unfortunately the health insurance plan I currently have is a high deductible, high co-pay plan. I have already spent $7,000 out of pocket this calendar year ($4,000 of which I still owe on credit cards or to the hospital). My upcoming surgery is going to cost me another $3,000.

I don’t know what else to say, other than I am humbled by any help you can provide.