Help Audrey Through Her Cancer Treatment

Hi, my name is Miranda Kimberg, and I'm creating this GoFundMe for my BFF, Audrey Posteraro, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy and immunotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer.

Let me start by saying Audrey is a very private person. Her diagnosis has not been made public, and she has been fighting this battle like a true warrior (I honestly don't know how she does it) since we first got the news in April. Most people in her day-to-day life are unaware of what she’s going through—if you saw her on the street, you probably couldn't even tell. If you’re reading this and you are a friend of Audrey's just now learning about it, please don’t take offense. Only her very close circle has known. It’s taken me this long to convince her (and for chemo to kick her ass enough) to let me set this up.

Audrey essentially won the cancer lottery. Despite having a very low genetic risk, after discovering a cyst in January, she was diagnosed with stage 2 triple-negative breast cancer. This form of cancer is extremely aggressive, fast-growing, and accounts for only 10-15% of all breast cancers.

Her oncology team has been nothing short of incredible (we can’t stress this enough we LOVE THEM—huge shoutout to Dr. Yousef, Bree, and Jess!). They hit her with a six-month regimen of four different types of chemotherapy plus immunotherapy (which she’ll continue for a year after chemo and surgery). Even though it’s been a terrifying journey, her doctors have given us great hope that Audrey can beat this. She is, and will!

Audrey is an integral part of Beacon’s community. You might know her as a mom to Michaela (5th grade at Sargent) or Gabbi (22-year-old kick ass!), a nurse in our school system, a hospice nurse (her true calling and love), a volunteer on the board of Sargent Elementary School PTO, a community organizer, or an all-around amazing friend. She is always doing for other people - whether it’s organizing nights out at the baseball game or putting together massive egg hunts for the kids (out of her own pocket), she constantly goes out of her way to give to others with her generosity and big heart.

As her treatment progresses, the cumulative toll of these life-saving poisons are really starting to wear her down. Chemo takes her out of commission for 2-3 days a week, and neuropathy is making it difficult for her to use her hands, even on the days she can work. Audrey relies on her ability to work to keep a roof over their head, pay the bills, and let's not even mention medical costs. Unfortunately, as a per diem employee, she has limited paid time off. While these side effects should be temporary, surgery is coming up, which means she won’t be able to work for a while.

This is why I am launching this GoFundMe now, and where YOU come in. I’m asking—because she never would—for any support you can offer to help Audrey get through these next few months of treatment and recovery. Every little bit helps.

Please know that she really doesn't want to do this, she doesn't feel comfortable asking for help - but that your kindness and support mean the world to Audrey and our community during this challenging time. Even if you can't donate, sharing this campaign with your friends and family can make a big difference! Or, if you know anyone who can get her Taylor Swift tickets......

Together, we can love and help Audrey focus on her recovery and continue to be the incredible person she is.

Thank you

Miranda (Emotional Support Animal)