A note from Anjanette:

Hello friends, family, and kind strangers,

My name is Anjanette Blanciak. I’m 46 years old, married to my wonderful husband Daniel, and together we have a beautiful blended family. Our daughters — Samantha, 15, who plays JV flag football at Edison High; Jovie, 15, involved in ASB and Model UN; and Sienna, 13, a cheerleader for the Chargers 14U football team — keep us busy and inspired every day. We also share our home with three lively Mini Aussies who bring joy and comfort.

I work as a self-employed art instructor, teaching at the Huntington Beach senior center, hosting paint and sip events, creating murals, and supporting our community as a substitute special education aide at Edison High. I’ve also worked independently as a waitress and bartender. Art and family are my passions, and I cherish every moment.

On July 17th, I went in for a routine mammogram — my first in a few years. I encourage everyone to get checked as recommended because early detection matters. Just days later, my family and I embarked on what was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe, a special journey for my 83-year-old dad who has dementia. Traveling with my dad, my sisters, our children, and all the grandchildren to visit our relatives in Germany was a dream come true and a memory we’ll treasure forever.

But life had another surprise waiting for me.

On August 4th, I was called back for additional screening. By August 15th, I received the devastating news: I was diagnosed with breast cancer — a large tumor that was estrogen and progesterone receptor-positive. It was overwhelming, shocking, and life-changing.

Since then, I have been navigating a whirlwind of appointments, tests, and procedures, including a full mastectomy on September 2nd. The diagnosis is invasive carcinoma, stage IIB, and I’m now in the process of determining the next steps: whether chemotherapy will be necessary, followed by radiation and hormone therapy for at least five years.

Alongside this, I’m undergoing preventative screenings because I carry a gene that increases my cancer risk, but thankfully those results have been normal so far.

The emotional and physical toll of cancer is significant, but the financial burden can be just as overwhelming. Between medical bills, treatments, and the need to reduce work hours to focus on healing, my family and I are facing unexpected challenges.

Your support will help cover medical expenses, therapies, medications, transportation to appointments, and daily living costs as I focus on recovery and continue to support my family.

I am incredibly blessed by the love and support from family, friends, colleagues, and even kind strangers. From home-cooked meals to thoughtful gifts, caring visits to encouraging messages — every act of kindness means the world to me. My husband Daniel has been my rock, taking me to appointments and keeping my spirits up with humor and love. My daughters’ activities keep me moving and motivated to fight harder every day.

This journey is forcing me to learn, adapt, and grow in ways I never imagined. If life doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you — and I’m ready to fight, learn, and heal with all my heart.

Thank you for reading, for your generosity, and for being part of my village. Your support means everything.

Thank you all from the bottom, to top and all around my heart ❤️

Anjanette Blanciak ❤️