In late May 2025 Autumn found a lump in her right breast and presented it to her OBGYN team. Autumn was suggested to have an ultrasound of the noted lump. Since she had turned 30 in May, the doctor on staff noted that she was eligible to receive a mammogram. Upon Autumn’s mammogram imaging, a calcification mass was detected in her left breast alongside the noted benign tissue build up felt in the right breast. She was now requested to complete a needle biopsy of said calcification in the left breast. By mid-June results of the needle biopsy returned confirming Autumn’s biggest fear, breast cancer. With family medical history at play, her oncology team suggested genetic testing for further clarifications for the best treatment plan for her newly found breast cancer.

When genetic testing results were read, Autumn was noted to have a genetic mutation of her TP-53 gene, diagnosing Autumn with a rare genetic syndrome known as Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS). 1 in 20,000 individuals are diagnosed with LFS in their lifetime. LFS is our cancer suppressing gene, and unfortunately, Autumn’s does not assist to fight against cancer growth. Those who are diagnosed with LFS cannot receive any radiation treatments (radiation therapy, ct scans, multiple x-rays etc)in their lifetimes, as this would rapidly grow cancer in multiple areas of the body.

Due to her LFS diagnosis, mixed with the breast cancer diagnosis at 30 years old, Autumn will need to undergo a double mastectomy, as she has a 90% chance of her breast cancer returning and a 70% chance of developing a second cancer in her lifetime. LFS is known to attack breasts, brain, bone, soft tissues, skin and more. Once Autumn has healed from her double mastectomy, she will undergo bi-annual evaluations with her genetics team, annual full-body MRIs and skin grafts, and biennial endoscopies and colonoscopies. This follow up care will be used in hopes to detect early signs of future cancers that could develop through LFS.

With these newfound discoveries and scheduled surgeries, Autumn will be taking an extended unpaid leave of absence from work in the upcoming months. Medical bills have increased and will continue to rise through her scheduled surgeries, designated treatment plan, and extended follow-up medical evaluations.

With your help, we will be able to assist Autumn alleviate the financial hardships that accompany this diagnosis such as:

Please keep Autumn, Matthew, their young children, and family in your continued thoughts and prayers throughout this ongoing journey as she continues her fight against breast cancer and LFS.