In summer 2024, Maggie suddenly began having back pain so severe she needed a cane. After an MRI, it was discovered that Maggie's breast cancer had returned after five years with No Evidence of Disease and metastasized to her bones, fracturing her spine.

In a matter of days, Maggie was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, with "innumerable" metastasis throughout her body, including the bones, as well as metastasis in the liver and pleural lining of one lung.

Unfortunately, Stage IV metastatic breast cancer has no cure, but there are treatments available. Since August, Maggie has been on a nonstop journey to find a treatment that keeps the cancer from growing while allowing her to have some quality of life. She had multiple rounds of surgery and is on her second line of treatment. The current treatment seems more promising than the first round, but there is no silver bullet for metastatic breast cancer. While some days she feels well enough to go outside (and maybe even do PT), there are flare-ups where she can't get out of bed, sometimes being sent to the ER for pain management.

This winter, Maggie was abruptly let go from her job after being inexplicably denied long-term disability. She lost her insurance and her safety net in one fell swoop. Maggie's home of over five years became another obstacle, with the stairs to get in and out becoming insurmountable in her current condition. Maggie is now subsisting on her savings and Medicaid. Sadly, we cannot trust that Medicaid will continue to be a reliable support system.

Her community, including her partner Jared and "Philly Mom" Debbie, are supporting Maggie in every possible way, but they need help. Jared and Maggie moved into a new home together recently, one with less stairs, and the added difficulties of moving triggered a pain flare, sending Maggie to the hospital.

A donation to Maggie would not only support her financially (medical bills, rent, groceries), but also emotionally. With the help of her oncology social worker, Maggie has re-applied for SSDI disability benefits, but the approval process is painstakingly slow. Though Maggie would love nothing more, full-time work is not feasible right now. Having a cushion to relieve some of the pressure from medication changes, dietary fluctuations, and life in general would make a huge difference. Donations will also help Jared as he has been stretched thin caring for Maggie, their home, and their three beloved cats, Marley, Bobby, and Luigi.

The most common phrase Maggie uses these days? "I'm so lucky." Maggie finds the beam of light in the darkest moments. And she is our beam of light. Please join us in helping her shine a little brighter.