Hi, my name is Julie, and I was recently diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) breast cancer.

On July 10th, 2025, I will undergo a double mastectomy, followed by reconstruction surgery later this year at UNMC in Omaha, NE.

Unfortunately, I have a high-deductible insurance plan that requires us to pay $5,000 out of pocket before coverage begins. In addition, I’ll need to take about 10 weeks off work this year for both surgeries. While I’m grateful that my employer provides 6 weeks of short-term disability at full pay, the remaining 4 weeks will only be covered at 65% of my regular income.

As many of you know, the past few years have been incredibly difficult. We lost my mom to breast cancer last year after her long and courageous battle. On top of that, Paxton has faced serious health challenges, including a ruptured appendix in January 2023 and surgery at Children’s Hospital last June. These events have significantly depleted our HSA account, and we haven’t had the chance to rebuild it in time for my upcoming medical expenses.

I’m incredibly grateful for the love and support from our amazing friends and family. Your kindness means the world to us, and I truly couldn’t face this journey without you.

I’ve included a few of the last photos I have with my mom, taken just a few months before she passed, as well as pictures of Paxton during his hospital stay last June.

Thank you for being part of our lives and for any support you’re able to offer—whether it’s emotional, financial, or simply keeping us in your thoughts.