Help a 43-year-old mom beat aggressive colon cancer

UPDATE:

Wow. We are overwhelmed with your generosity. Nearly 100 friends, family, colleagues, and strangers supported this ask in one day! Thank you, thank you. I couldn't sleep this morning and watched the sun rise from our porch with hope in my heart knowing so many of you believe in me and will continue to be with us on this journey. This afternoon I learned that the amazing team at Minnesota Oncology worked with Pfizer and secured me a one-month free trial of the BRAFTOVI. I cried once I was over the shock.

I am hopeful that next month my insurance will start coverage and I respectfully plan to hold on to everyone’s generous donations until I have that assurance. Stayed tuned.

Thank you and God Bless.

Heather and family

Aug. 7, 2025

I am a 43-year-old woman with a happy family, fun career, and active life. I was diagnosed with colon cancer in May, and after surgery and dozens of tests, the cancer is deemed a metastatic aggressive genetic mutation, BRAF V600E. A recently released protocol includes a life-saving drug (my words) BRAFTOVI. You can read about our journey at CaringBridge.

https://www.caringbridge.org/site/5d3d7b6c-5852-11f0-8b02-450352555e0d?utm_source=website_share&utm_medium=share_button&utm_term=&utm_content=link_share_button&utm_campaign=private_home_page

Because the BRAFTOVI pill is new to the colon treatment market, the insurance process of approval is taking time, and I did NOT start the BRAFTOVI with the other three medications during chemo on Aug 6 as planned.

The mutation is aggressive, so weeks matter! I am hoping to pay out-of-pocket for the first month to increase my chances of loving on my boys until they are all old men. One month supply is $16,000. I have been praying about whether or not I want to raise money. It is uncomfortable to ask for help, but I am solely thinking of Cale, Maxwell (5), and Conrad (10). Please do not feel any pressure or Catholic guilt to contribute. After all, I'm a guilt-free Lutheran.

"She will not be shaken...she will not fear bad news, her heart is confident, trusting in the Lord." Psalm 112:6-7. We all feel strong and positive. The boys are fascinated with the take-home chemo pump. We are enjoying every moment of summer! We hope you do, too.