#HalsteadStrong

It's easy to recite a viral quote about living your life to the fullest, or each day as if it's your last. In November 2018 our sister Erin discovered a lump which was thought/assumed/hoped to be just a cyst. A mammogram and biopsy however, found Erin’s battle with cancer would begin with a Stage 2 diagnosis just centimeters beneath the cyst. In early February 2019 a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy found the cancer had spread into 1 of 3 of the adjacent lymph nodes which were removed with clear margins. A treatment plan was initiated with a battery of tests and scans (MUGA, Bone, CT, MRI, PET). These tests and a next day phone call carried the devastating news of a Stage 4 diagnosis. A vague idea of what your life means, to live fully, gains a whole new purpose. A review panel examined Erin’s case and drug therapy has started which has an average effectiveness of 2 years before requiring alteration.

Erin and her husband Chad have handled the diagnosis with inspirational courage, self-advocacy and hope. They are being brave for their children and for us. They speak openly to friends and family about their struggles and realities. They challenge doctors with knowledge and preparedness and they fight in every capacity possible using naturopathic diet and lifestyle changes in addition to conventional treatments. They have chosen to face overwhelming odds by not letting cancer define them, or rob them of what they have left. They have chosen to use this time to chase the happy moments each day they can.

We would love to help them in this fight and through these difficult times, with whatever they need. Perhaps a memorable family trip or required medical equipment or treatments not covered by health insurance. We all thank you for your consideration and continued support.





An Update written by Chad:

Six weeks ago, we were shattered by the news of Erin's cancer spreading. Since that day, we have tried our best to remain positive and fight this through educating ourselves about this horrible disease, making changes to diet, adopting more exercise, making changes in our environment and living each day to the fullest we can. It's easier to say all of these things then practice it and we've had some struggles to maintain a positive mindset each day.

We need you all to know that the amount of love and support that we've received from so many - this has helped us immensely in our mental health and lifting us up to regain our focus to continue to fight. It has been very overwhelming and difficult to find the words to express how much gratitude we feel and despite this cancer - how truly fortunate we are in our lives, to have all of you here with us.

Erin starts her chemotherapy treatment today and although we are nervous, we know that all the love that surrounds us will help carry us to keep fighting with everything we have.

These photos show how we have chosen to fight cancer and we will continue to share in the future how we fight cancer.

Love every day.

#howwefightcancer #halsteadstrong #loveeveryday