As an oncology nurse for nine years, I have seen firsthand the financial burden that can happen to a family when a loved one receives devastating news of a cancer diagnosis. This year, our family received this news twice. I want to share the cancer journey of my sister, Laurie, and her husband, Mike, and offer all the support and encouragement that I am able.

My brother-in-law, Mike, was diagnosed in June 2024 with an aggressive form of skin cancer. He has endured multiple treatments of chemo and underwent a 12 hour surgery in January of 2025 to remove the cancer from the majority of the top of his scalp, temples, and mastoids, as well as reconstruction of those areas, including skin graphs taken from his thigh. His cancer treatments continue and the recovery process will be ongoing and difficult.

Two weeks after Mike’s surgery, my sister Laurie was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. She must now go through the pain and struggle of a bilateral mastectomy in March 2025, and then treatments of both radiation and chemotherapy.

As you can imagine, the emotional and financial hardships caused by this have been overwhelming. The cost of the medical bills, travel to frequent appointments, and living expenses continue to pile up. Due to loss of income, they had to relinquish their home.

Any help that you can give to Mike and Laurie is greatly appreciated during this difficult time. As they are in need of urgent financial support.

Thank you,

Brenda