Hi, I’m Whitney Castillo. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I’ll try to keep it brief.

I’m a 39-year-old realtor living in Whittier, California, with my husband of 10 years and our two little ones (ages 3 and 7). I’ve lived a healthy life overall, yet in 2023 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I completed all recommended treatments (plus some) and was eventually told I was in the clear.

This year, everything changed.
My cancer returned and had spread. A metastatic diagnosis. Stage 4.
This is news no one wants — especially as a young mother — but these are the cards I’ve been dealt, and I’m fully in the fight.

I met with multiple doctors, gathered many opinions, eventually found an oncologist I feel truly aligned with, and began treatment this summer. The current goal of treatment is to give me more time.

But I’m playing the long game. I want more than “a little extra time.” I fully believe there is a path forward for me.

To my regimen, I’ve added a Naturopathic Doctor, a dietician (specializing in oncology), fasting-mimicking diets, acupuncture, tai chi, qigong, extensive reading, and a radically anti-inflammatory lifestyle. There is so much available beyond standard care — but none of it is covered, and it is incredibly expensive.

This fundraiser is a humble appeal for help.
Michael and I are doing everything we can, but we are limited financially.

Funds will help with:

-insurance co-pays

-out-of-pocket therapies

-labs and tests not covered by insurance

-travel costs for clinical trials

-healing equipment for my home

-recommended treatments from my ND

-travel to a holistic cancer conference for which I received a scholarship but can’t afford the travel to attend

Healing has become its own full-time job. Between treatment, motherhood, and recovery, my work took an unexpected and temporary backseat — something I never anticipated, because I love my job.

But I believe in myself. I believe in my body’s ability to heal when given a true chance.
I have learned to trust my intuition — the same inner voice (and God’s guidance) that led me to both diagnoses even when doctors dismissed my concerns.

If you feel moved to donate, I want you to know I appreciate it with our whole heart.
I’ve also created an Amazon wishlist (“Whitney’s Reintegration Studio”) with needed items:

Whitney's Reintigration Studio https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1EW5N0UARAVER?ref_=wl_share

Sharing this fundraiser also helps immensely.


And if you know anyone looking to buy or sell a home, I would love the opportunity — and it’s a way for me to contribute to my own healing costs, too!

One last request:
If you see me out with my children, please don’t mention this fundraiser. After the trauma of my first diagnosis — chemo, surgery, all of it — we try very hard to keep their world as normal and safe as possible.

From the bottom of my grateful heart, thank you.

Whit