I'm Brooke Rettig, a musician and artist who has been managing chronic illness for over a decade. For over 10 years, I've dealt with chronic Lyme disease, mold illness, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). Over the past two years, these conditions have progressed to the point where I've been unable to work conventionally.

The chemical sensitivities have dramatically limited where I can safely spend time. Conventional cleaning products like bleach, air fresheners like Febreze, strong perfumes, and vehicle exhaust fumes can make me instantly sick. This means I can't be in most public spaces, stores, or even drive for extended periods. Simple activities like meeting friends at a cafe or running errands have become major challenges. The fatigue and cognitive issues have made creating music and art much more difficult. My day-to-day life requires careful management of my environment and treatments.

Recently, though, there was real progress. After years of trial and error, I found a treatment regimen that was actually working. My energy levels were improving, and I was starting to feel more like myself again. I could see a path back to creating and sharing my art more actively.

Then I received the breast cancer diagnosis.

The timing feels especially challenging – just as I was gaining ground against these chronic conditions, I'm now facing cancer treatment that could complicate the progress I've made. My existing conditions also make standard cancer treatment more complex, requiring careful coordination between specialists.

## Why I Need Your Help

I'm fortunate to have insurance that will cover the majority of the conventional cancer treatment costs. However, my complex health situation requires much more than what insurance provides, and the financial strain extends far beyond medical bills.

My partner Josh has been my rock through this 8-year journey together. He handles most of the driving (since I can't tolerate vehicle exhaust for long periods), takes care of me daily, manages our planning and logistics, and is essentially our sole income provider. He recently returned to school at UNC Asheville to pursue his Psychology degree, but between my frequent medical appointments and caregiving responsibilities, he's had to miss significant work time. We're facing increased expenses just as our income has decreased.

Here's what we need help with:

**Living Expenses During Treatment:**

- Rent, utilities, and basic necessities while Josh's work hours are reduced

- Organic, high-quality foods that are essential for supporting my healing and safe for my multiple sensitivities - these specialized foods are significantly more expensive than conventional options, especially with current food costs rising

- Transportation costs for frequent medical appointments across different specialists

- Vehicle maintenance to ensure reliable transportation to appointments

**Integrative Treatment Approach (Not Covered by Insurance):**

- Functional medicine practitioners who understand my complex conditions

- Supplements and supportive therapies to help my body handle chemotherapy and radiation

- Environmental modifications to create a safe healing space at home

- Alternative treatments that work alongside conventional cancer care

- Comfort items like cold socks to help manage neuropathy during chemotherapy

- A wig to help me feel more like myself when hair loss occurs

**Additional Medical Costs:**

- Insurance copays and deductibles for oncology treatments

- Specialized testing and monitoring due to my compromised immune system

- Emergency medical expenses that may arise

## How Your Support Will Help

Every dollar will go directly toward giving me the resources I need to focus on healing rather than financial stress. Your contributions will help cover our daily living expenses while Josh's work hours are reduced, fund the integrative treatments that insurance doesn't cover, and ensure we can maintain the specialized care approach my complex conditions require.

Having this support means I won't have to choose between the holistic treatments that help my body handle conventional cancer therapy and paying our bills. It means Josh can prioritize being my caregiver and getting his degree without us getting more and more behind. Most importantly, it means I can put my energy toward getting well instead of worrying about how we'll manage financially during the most challenging time of our lives.

## Why This Matters

I've spent years learning to manage these chronic conditions and rebuild my health. This cancer diagnosis feels like starting over, but I'm determined to fight with everything I have. Having financial support means I can focus on healing instead of worrying about how to pay for basic necessities and the specialized care I need.

Your contribution isn't just helping with expenses – it's giving me hope and the resources to fight this battle while managing the conditions I've already been fighting for years.

## Updates and Transparency

I will provide regular updates on my treatment progress, how I'm feeling, and any significant developments in my health journey. Sharing this experience helps me feel connected to the community supporting me, and I know many of you will want to follow along as I navigate this challenge.

## Thank You

Whether you can donate $5 or $500, share this campaign, or simply send positive thoughts my way, I am deeply grateful. Having a community of support makes this journey feel less isolating and more manageable.

Additionally, you could buy some of my art. Prints and the like are available at https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/brooke-rettig/shop , and I have some originals (oil on canvas) which are available through private sale. Reach out here or through my personal contact if you have it for inquiries. If you're interested in a little more of my music, we've assembled a short playlist here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLBUClPY45BoFYs_uzmxMxFogRYqiD5Y2&si=uU_oVtJTmZoDtFMu

No one should have to fight cancer alone, especially while managing multiple chronic conditions. Thank you for being part of my healing journey.