My dear friend Emily Gelb, age 36, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She is now facing surgery, radiation, and other treatment that will make her infertile.

Emily has dreamed of having kids ever since becoming an aunt - being pregnant, birthing a baby, being a mom, all of it. She would undoubtedly raise kind, thoughtful, joyful humans who make this world a better place.

Emily has dedicated her life to supporting the well-being of people and animals. She served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ecuador, where she rescued a dying street puppy named Sisa (in the picture ) and somehow managed to bring her back to the United States. She now works as the Director of Veterinary Access at the national ASPCA (yes, the same ASPCA with those powerful Sarah McLachlan song ads that make us all cry) and she is leading efforts across the country to make veterinary care more affordable and accessible for everyone with a pet in need!!!

In her “spare” time, Emily volunteers with an immigrant support organization and a prison book program that gets books to incarcerated people. Emily gives so much of herself to others, and she does it all with a quiet, fierce compassion that inspires everyone around her. Her gentle spirit and unwavering dedication make her a bright light in this world.

Before her treatment begins, she has a short window to freeze her eggs, but insurance covers only a small portion of the cost. Egg freezing alone will cost tens of thousands of dollars, and she also faces thousands more in medical bills, deductibles, copays, and time off work as she recovers.

Emily is facing something no one should have to go through, and she shouldn’t have to do it alone. Please consider donating to help Emily:

• Freeze her eggs so she can have the chance to become a mother

• Cover the many treatment and recovery-related expenses that come with a breast cancer diagnosis

• Take the time she needs to heal without the added stress of mounting medical bills

We are hoping to raise $10,000 to help cover these costs.

Any amount, no matter the size, would mean so much.

And if you can’t give right now, please consider sharing this with others who might be able to help.

Emily has shown up for so many people and animals. Let’s show up for her now.

Thank you for your care and consideration.