Help Ease Butzy's Breast Cancer Debt Burden

Our beloved Coach Butzy has been bravely battling Breast Cancer since 2016 and while she's won each of these battles, the financial toll it's taken on her and her family has been immense.

Since 2016, Butzy has had two lumpectomies, a full mastectomy, and reconstruction from her own stomach tissue. After each of the lumpectomies revealed aggressive, and various forms of cancerous cells, she was advised to get a full mastectomy to avoid the Breast Cancer returning and potentially spreading to other parts of her body. She's lucky that the cancer was removed at an early stage, and she hasn't had to do chemotherapy or radiation.

However, the financial burden of her medical treatments has become overwhelming. Despite insurance coverage, the costs of copays, deductibles, medications, multiple medical procedures, and continuous preventative testing, have piled up, creating a mountain of bills that seem insurmountable and have wiped what was left of her family's savings. Unfortunately, this happens too often to people that have worked their whole lives and tried to save for the future.

Additionally, her most recent reconstruction surgery was incredibly taxing on her body, and because her job is physically demanding, she's had to take most of the last year off from work, making it very difficult to make ends meet.

As one of Butz's longtime friends (& former player), I know the toll this cancer fight and subsequent break from her work has taken on her. No one should be left in financial ruin after doing what they need to do to save their own life. I've watched Butz be endlessly brave in this fight while continuing to be present in her community and for her family. During her time going through various surgeries, she continued to be active at her daughter’s school and sports, to coach a women’s football team, to volunteer in her community, and give blood when healthy enough to do so. Her most recent reconstructive surgery was by far the hardest physically and mentally, yet during her recovery she brought together various women’s sports organizations in Seattle and Nationwide, to find ways to create a safe and fair environment for female and LGBTQ athletes and coaches.

I’ve seen Butz put on a brave face while fighting the most difficult emotional battle of her life. Yet, in private moments together, I’ve witnessed the weight of this struggle and the toll it has taken on her. If you know Butzy, you know she’s always been active and on the go, so it’s been a significant adjustment for her to slow down. Yet, every day, she’s making remarkable progress. She’s a fighter and the most resilient person I know, and I have no doubt she’ll get back to her former self and be running races again soon. However, trying to heal while grappling with overwhelming medical debt can feel suffocating.

The month of October focusses on Breast Cancer Awareness and how important early testing can be. So, this is where we come in. Butzy never asks for help, but it's time. For decades, Butzy has been making an impact in the women’s football communities across the country, she never hesitated to help her players off the field when they needed someone, now it's time for us to pay her back for the impact she's had on all of us.

As Butzy gradually returns to work as opportunities arise, we have a chance to come together and lighten the burdens that are weighing on her and her family. By contributing to this GoFundMe—no matter how small, even just $1—you can help ease their financial strain and allow Butzy to focus on what truly matters: her health and recovery.

Please consider donating and sharing this campaign with your friends, family, teammates, and social networks. Your support can make a real difference! Our communities are stronger with Butzy in them, so let’s help get her back and focused on the work she loves.

Thank you for your time, generosity, compassion, and support.

With gratitude,

Ryan Samuelson

#76, former Seattle Majestic