My name is Cara, and I am 39 years old. In April, I was told I had breast cancer after developing serious symptoms including breast swelling, nipple bleeding, skin thickening, and painful lymph node changes. Because inflammatory breast cancer is rare and aggressive, getting the right care has been extremely difficult. My records have even been marked as a “potential threat to life.”

After months of advocating for myself and being passed from doctor to doctor, I finally received a referral to the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Clinic at MD Anderson, one of the few specialty centers in the world dedicated to this disease. Unfortunately, MD Anderson is out of network for my insurance, and my prior authorization has been delayed. I was told the only way to move forward immediately is to self-pay, which requires a $17,500 deposit (with a 30% discount) just for the first appointment.

The financial strain is overwhelming, especially as my illness has made it difficult to work and keep up with daily life. I am raising funds so I can be seen at MD Anderson’s IBC Clinic as soon as possible and begin the care I urgently need.

Starting treatment at MD Anderson would mean everything to me. I want to return to health, continue raising my daughters, and keep contributing to my family and community. Every day matters with this disease, and being evaluated by the right specialists could save my life.

Funds raised help cover medical and related expenses while I continue care at MD Anderson, including travel for appointments, time away from work, and essential living costs impacted by ongoing medical care.