On Friday, May 15, 2020,  Emily Lawson was diagnosed with stage ll grade 3 triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) that will require immediate intensive treatment.  Emily is a 26 year old mom of three boys. Bryson is four, Easton is two, and the newest addition to the family is 2 month old Javier.  Just two months ago Emily and her partner Javier were celebrating their expanding family and making plans.  Wednesday, May 27th, Emily is scheduled  to have her port for chemo put in and will immediately start treatment. 

Emily first noticed the lump in her breast when she was pregnant. Her doctor was unconcerned and said it was most likely a milk duct or due to her pregnancy. After baby Javier was born she noticed it was larger.  At a doctor’s appointment Emily had to advocate for herself to receive additional testing. She was finally given a mammogram and genetic testing due to our family history of BCRA1.  Within a week Emily had additional tests and a biopsy . . . These tests later confirmed the worst news that this young family could received. Emily had a very rare, aggressive, and fast growing form of cancer.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) affects less than 20% of breast cancer diagnoses. It’s a cancer that tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein. These results mean that the growth of the cancer is not fueled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, or by the HER2 protein. So, triple-negative breast cancer does not respond to hormonal therapy medicines or medicines that target HER2 protein receptors. In turn, treatment options are very limited . 

At this time Emily is unsure of her future employment. She’s been with her company for almost eight years. Due to taking maternity leave she has exhausted her FMLA. She had planned to return to work June 4th. Emily will have to pay out of pocket to continue her health insurance. Also she will need help with daycare during her treatments. There is still uncertainty about Emily’s treatment plan and whether or not she will be traveling to the Bay Area. 

It would mean a lot if we could help ease some of  the financial burden for Emily and Javier as they navigate this difficult time with the three young boys.  There will be many unknown expenses for Emily’s treatment and out of pocket costs in addition to daycare and travel expenses.  

Any and all contributions will be very much appreciated. We understand that in these times many are limited financially.  We ask that you keep Emily, Javier, Bryson, Easton, and baby Javier in your prayers!! 

Thank you so much and please share Emily’s story. We will be providing updates as her treatment continues.