If you know Chelsea, you know she is someone who works hard, loves her family & friends fiercely, and is usually the person figuring out how to make things work.

Weeks away from 47, Chelsea, a wife to Aaron, a mom to a brilliant 9-year-old, and half of a small landscaping business that she and Aaron, have built together. Their life is busy, physical, and grounded in work, family, and the everyday things that keep a household going.

Then, quickly, everything changed.

Chelsea was recently, and suddenly, diagnosed with stage III, high-grade serous ovarian cancer. There was no time to prepare for this diagnosis. Needing surgery to diagnose, Chelsea & Aaron only had a couple of weeks notice before she was undergoing a biopsy operation that ended up as a full hysterectomy. When doctors operated, they found that her ovaries were significantly enlarged and full of tumors. They also found nodules on her peritoneum and cancer cells in the fluid in her abdomen.

Her recovery has been complicated by an infection and, now, a second hospital stay - adding another layer to an already overwhelming experience.

There is, thankfully, some very encouraging news: her doctors believe they were able to remove all of the visible cancer and tumors. That gives us hope. But we are also realistic that Chelsea's treatment is only beginning.

She will need six rounds of chemotherapy, three weeks apart, taking her through the end of the year. After that will come the slower work of rebuilding her strength and recovering — physically, emotionally, and as a family.

The timing has also created a very real financial challenge.

Chelsea and Aaron both work in their landscaping business, and this started during their busiest season. Chelsea has had to step away from work completely. Aaron has been able to work only as much as he can, while also being there to care for Chelsea and their child and the household.

So while they should be able to put their energy toward getting Chelsea well, they are also facing months of reduced income and additional expenses.

We are fundraising to help give this family some breathing room over the next seven months. The funds will help with everyday living expenses and bills, childcare, medical and recovery-related costs, rehabilitation, and the income they will lose while Chelsea is unable to work and Aaron needs to be there for her.

This isn't about making life easy. It's about giving Chelsea and her family one less thing to carry while she does the work of getting well.

Asking for help is not something our family takes lightly. We know there is so much suffering in the world right now, and that everyone is carrying their own challenges. We also know that not everyone is in a position to give financially, and we completely understand that.

But if you know Chelsea, if you've worked alongside her, if she's worked for you, if you've shared a laugh or a meal with her, or if her story resonates with you, we hope you'll consider standing with her and her family right now.

Every amount helps. If you can't contribute, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful. A share may reach someone who knows Chelsea, knows Aaron, or simply wants to help a family through an unexpected and difficult season.

If you know the family and want to talk about another way of contributing or helping, please don't be shy.

Thank you for reading Chelsea's story, for sharing it, for contributing if you can, and for all the love and support you send their way.

With love and gratitude,

Chelsea's family