Fighting triple negative breast cancer while caring for my 4-year-old and keeping our family afloat — we need your help.

Our Story

In August 2025, was a big month for my family. My daughter turned 4 years old, started pre-school, and I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. We went from looking towards the best to come to having to now contemplate possible worst to come. You would think postpartum heart failure a week after Ellie was born would have been enough "worst" medically for me for one lifetime.

I have 6 months of chemo ahead with the first 3 months supposedly with easier chemo regimen then much harder chemo regimen the second half. Then breast surgery, and with 3 masses we are looking at a very high chance of mastectomy in 6 or 7 months. That's if chemo even works. I believe radiation will also be added after that. Then immunotherapy every 6 weeks for 3 more rounds. We’ve had to buckle in for a long journey. That’s if the chemotherapy is effective on the tumors, which it sometimes isn’t with triple negative breast cancer.

As the parent that works from home and provides all afterschool and stay-at-home care to our 4-year-old, while also running a solo psychotherapy practice from home, I’m navigating treatment, parenting, and the realities of reduced work while fighting this disease.

My husband is a disabled veteran who works full-time in a palliative oncology clinic. Thanks to his service, our daughter’s preschool tuition is covered, which we’re deeply grateful for. But many other costs—school supplies, clothing, snacks, and everyday essentials—are not. On top of that, my husband has exhausted his paid leave after the initial countless diagnostic appointments and procedures to prepare for chemotherapy, the last-minute drives, and stepping in to care for our daughter when I’ve needed urgent support. I’ve not been responding well to the side effects of Taxol and have already had one emergency room visit after only 2 treatments. Again, the journey is going to be a long one.

Why We’re Asking for Help

As a self-employed solo psychotherapist, I don't have PTO, automatic disability benefits, even short-term help. Insurance is covered by Dustin, the only saving grace in it all. I have to keep working even on bad days, or rent, utilities, shoes Ellie might need, etc. struggle to be paid. So much for time off. Thats what cancer is trying to take away.

Treatment has forced me to cut back on my caseload significantly already, while expenses continue to grow. In addition to chemotherapy, I face significant copays for palliative care, occupational and physical therapy for pain, and services addressing skin, sleep, and neurological issues made worse by treatment. Nutritional support during chemo and basic household needs add to the burden. Even basic comforts such as an top made for easy port access during chemo treatments can range from $30 to $90 or the ice mitts and socks I have to wear during treatments to keep my nerve endings from forever being damaged easily costed $60 or more.

Ellie gets to be the preschool kid of the mom with no hair. She'll know about being gentle with mommy because of chemo or surgery before she even goes to kindergarten. That's what cancer is trying to take away.

But I won’t let it. So, I’m asking for help.

Looking Ahead

Surgery will definitely require a deductible to be met in the new year, possibly $5,000 plus copays and insurance afterwards. That is just the starting amount if it is covered. Chemo, the massive amount of supplies you need to prevent the permanent ruin of hands, feet, skin, scalp, teeth, mouth, and nutrition is already devastating cards and accounts. But we show up for each other in our family and that is priceless.

If my history of postpartum heart failure becomes an issue, my chemotherapy plan may need to change, bringing additional costs. I’ve already had one emergency room visit which has the highest co-pays of any of my treatment so far, and with chemotherapy, those visits may continue. Our family is still recovering from the financial impact of my past heart failure several tears ago, adrenal gland dysfunction, and recent orthopedic injuries (a broken big toe and De Quervain’s tenosynovitis condition) that both require surgery but have been put on hold until cancer treatment is complete.

Where Your Donations Go

• Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery expenses

• Co-insurance for ongoing biopsies and scans

• Post-surgery costs and care after mastectomy

• Copays for palliative care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and related treatments

• Assistance with medical supplies and nutrition during chemo

• Support if my husband must take additional unpaid leave (which has already started)

• Everyday family needs (groceries, clothing, school supplies, utilities, and household expenses)

• Afterschool and No School Friday care for Ellie on days I can’t drive to pick her up or chemotherapy runs too late to get there

Closing

We are reaching out for help to keep life steady for our family while I focus on healing. Every contribution—big or small—helps us keep moving forward with hope. We are deeply grateful for your generosity, kindness, and prayers.