Help Amy “Soli” Startari Walk Again & Fight Cancer

Introduction:

Hi, my name is Mollie Macdougall, and I am reaching out on behalf of my incredible sister, Amy (who goes by “Soli”). I do this alongside Soli's father, Jodi Startari, Uncle Rob, brother Paul, and Cousin Allison.

Soli has recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer with extensive spread, and she needs our support now more than ever. Soli is a loving and selfless person who has always been there for others, and it's time for us to be there for her. Soli has always been more my “sister mom” than sister- and has sacrificed so much for me and for many other loved ones. I am praying that people will step up in droves to support her and return the support and uplift she has given to so many others..This diagnosis is truly devastating to our family.

The Diagnosis:

On June 26, 2024, Soli was hospitalized in Southern California due to debilitating back and shoulder pain. After extensive tests, she received the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. The cancer has aggressively spread to her bones, spine, liver, abdominal cavity, and lungs. Soli has sustained multiple spinal fractures, and her pain is unimaginable. She has two large tumors creating compression on her spinal canal - for these she is undergoing radiation treatment and will assess a major back surgery following that treatment cycle. This diagnosis has come with two major emergencies: preserving her ability to walk and aggressively treating the cancer.

The Battle:

Due to the severity of her condition, Soli has been in the hospital since her diagnosis. The cancer has caused several spinal fractures and has completely eroded two of her vertebrae. She has not been able to walk in several weeks and requires specialized care to prevent blood clots and manage her pain, all of which we have not been able to sufficiently get her yet. Despite these challenges, there is hope. Her doctors have begun aggressive treatment protocols, including hormone therapy, radiation, and a very expensive CDK-inhibitor drug to halt the cancer's spread.

Financial Need:

Unfortunately, the financial burden has been overwhelming. Soli is self employed and has barely been able to work since January due to her pain, and she was unjustly evicted from her apartment while hospitalized. We are in urgent need of financial support to cover the costs of her treatments, living expenses, and the travel expenses for family and friends who are assisting with her care. Donations will directly fund:

Why Your Help Matters:

Soli is an incredible healer who has always been a beacon of hope and healing for those around her. She has sacrificed so much to help others, and now she needs our help to access the treatments and care necessary for her survival. As her sister, it breaks my heart that I cannot be there in person right now due to my own circumstances (I am 39 weeks pregnant and in the DC area, unable to fly to CA a this moment), but I am committed to doing everything in my power to support her from afar until I can get out to California in person.

How You Can Help:

Your donation, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in Soli’s fight against this aggressive cancer. Please share this campaign with your network to help spread the word. Together, we can provide Soli with the resources she needs to continue her battle and give her the best possible chance of overcoming this disease. Any amount is appreciated, and we would equally appreciate everyone sharing the GoFundMe as broadly as possible to their networks.

Financial Goal:

We are aiming to raise an initial $100,000 to cover the immediate costs of Soli’s treatments, living expenses, and travel for her care team. However, we anticipate needing more to fully support her journey, which I will explain in detail as this journey unfolds. Every dollar brings us closer to our goal and provides Soli with the hope and strength she needs.

Caring Bridge:

We will be setting up a Caring Bridge page to keep everyone updated on Soli’s progress. The link will be added to this GoFundMe page once it is live.

Updates:

We will provide regular updates on Soli’s condition, treatment progress, and milestones achieved to keep all supporters informed and engaged.

Testimonials:

“Words can't begin to express the profound impact Amy has had on my life and that of my family. Her wisdom and guidance have deepened my faith and changed the course of my life. We have spent countless hours praying, crying, and laughing. She selflessly gives of herself to her family, friends, and clients with love and encouragement that is beyond compare. Our world is better because of Amy and we now must walk beside her in her battle against breast cancer. Her strength has carried me and it's only fitting for the blessings to return to her ten fold. May God's blessings continue to wrap Amy in love and for her to feel supported by all who read this.” - Lisa M.

“I have known Soli for ten years and can honestly say I don’t know anyone more committed to helping others. Not only has she built a career focused on empowering clients in their personal lives, but she also routinely fights for her clients and loved ones alike, above the call of duty. The world is truly a better place because of her powerful and generous spirit. During a particularly dark and confusing time in my life Soli displayed great patience and grace in showing me a way back to a life worth living.” - Daniel S.

“Soli is a true angel with a heart of gold. We were faced with an extremely difficult situation and she provided life changing guidance, support and healing for the entire family. Her gifts are unparalleled and we are forever grateful for her help.” - Sydney W.

“Soli has been an Angel ever since I met her. No one has a bigger heart than she does. She’s a huge blessing everywhere she goes. She always wants to make sure that everyone is taken care of. She’s one of the most phenomenal women I’ve ever met. She’s always willing to help her family, friends, clients, and strangers in any way that she can. Because of her the world is a better place.” - Diane Y.

Closing:

Thank you for taking the time to read Soli’s story and for considering a donation to support her. Your generosity and kindness will mean the world to her and our family during this incredibly challenging time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Mollie MacDougall