Support Christa's Battle With Rare Breast Cancer

We are writing this on behalf of our beloved friend Christa, who has recently been diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) with Apocrine Features- a diagnosis that has shaken her to the core. This rare subset of breast cancer is particularly insidious and known to be treatment resistant. Due to the aggressive and fast-growing nature of this cancer, an intense treatment plan is necessary.

Following a consultation with the knowledgeable team at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Rare Breast Cancer Program, a specialized treatment plan was made and will include intense rounds of chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy, which will last over a year long. Due to the aggressive nature of this cancer, Christa will begin her weekly infusions and treatment at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia on November 27th.

Christa found her calling in healthcare and has been a caregiver to many patients as a registered nurse of nearly 15 years. Her nursing career began at Lancaster General Hospital where she worked in the Emergency Department, Infectious Disease Unit, and the Psychiatric Unit. In 2017 she began her career with the Department of Veteran Affairs as a psychiatric nurse at the Lebanon VA Medical Center. It was here where Christa combined her nursing medical experience with her passion for counseling individuals struggling with addiction.

Christa is a dedicated and loving mother of two. Her youngest child, Nik, is currently in his junior year of high school. Nik is a hard-working student, enjoys participating in multiple sports, and also lifeguards at the local recreation center. He aspires to attend college upon graduation next year. Christa’s daughter, Erika, has made a lovely life and resides in Connecticut. The two have a close mother-daughter relationship and enjoy as much time together as they’re able. Christa is also a devoted wife; it was while working at the VA that she met the love of her life, Brad, her wonderful and supportive husband. Brad works with Veterans at the Lebanon VA Medical Center and is active within the Pennsylvania National Guard. Their animal-loving family is also blessed with a cat, three lovely dogs, and a horse.

As Christa’s oncologists and physicians have great concern regarding how the cancer treatment will weaken her immune system, she will no longer be able to provide direct patient care. Her ability to work full-time will also be compromised due to the significant side effects of this aggressive treatment plan. With her loss of income and the increased medical expenses, Christa and her husband are now faced with unexpected, mounting medical bills that insurance alone will not cover.

Christa has always been a self-sufficient and stalwart woman, who asks for very little. She never hesitates to give her time, care, and support to her family and friends, and has dedicated her life to caring for others. Any donation is greatly appreciated and will provide one less thing to worry about- allowing her to truly focus on getting better. Please help support Christa’s fight to survive and get back to caring for her family, friends, and veterans.