Help Ali Kick Cancer

Ali Owens...she's not one to ask for help, so we're here to do it for her.

Very recently, Ali learned that she has breast cancer, the "triple negative" type. As far as breast cancer goes, this type is relatively rare, tends to grow and spread faster than other types (it has spread to her lymph nodes), and has fewer treatment options.

The treatment regimen is long and intense for this particular type of cancer, and she's already begun the process of weekly chemo starting in early May.

Anyone touched by cancer knows how intensive this process is. The onslaught of medical appointments alone feels like a full-time job. There's uncertainty around her ability to continue working while her body is reeling from the effects of chemo. Medical bills are already flooding in. Health insurance covers some, but not all of what she'll require.

Lots of question marks. Lots of stress.

But many of you know Ali, and you know her heart: ever the optimist, lover of all animals, student of yoga and meditation, champion of veggies, mother of nature and of the indomitable Mackenna (her daughter). If she's not giving you her time, she's giving you the shirt off her back. She's given so much throughout her life to friends, family, animals, strangers, people in need, and the earth. Whether it's volunteering at the Humane Society, organizing charity collection events, teaching free meditation classes, or participating in local clean-up efforts...it almost seems right that the time has come for her to receive from others.

Raising at least $15,000 will help take the burden off of Ali in many ways. A large portion will go towards medical bills that aren't covered by her insurance, which have already started accumulating. Some of it will enable her to take extended time off of work if needed over the next year and a half as she navigates chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

For the last 8 years, Ali has been family to us. She started out as a patient at Family Tree Acupuncture and became our Office Manager three years into starting our business. Since then, the three of us have grown Family Tree Acupuncture into something we're really proud of. Ali is more than someone who works for us: she's our business partner, our sister, our dear friend. Her heart and her loyalty are at the core of what we offer at Family Tree. Rest assured, we're giving her everything we have to offer in terms of support and acupuncture treatments while she navigates this healing journey.

We know that the community of those who surround us and who know and love Ali will be able to help provide the financial support that she so greatly needs right now. Anything you can give will be appreciated beyond what can be communicated in words.

Maggie & Jorge Mejia