It was a wonderful and loving outside visit with Toni, Aaron and their girls, Claudia and Adalynn, when they stopped by on Mother's Day for about 10 minutes, in these days of social distancing and staying safe. Two days later, Toni collapsed and was taken by ambulance over to Swedish Hospital in Seattle with a brain tumor that was diagnosed as metastatic breast cancer.

In October of 2017, Toni went through weeks of chemo before a DIEP flap double mastectomy, with radiation treatments afterwards. She was told she would have to wait a least a year for her reconstructive surgery, to allow for complete healing and to be at the BMI needed to ensure success. She was a model patient, following the doctor's orders, and doing everything right to get that surgery. Her cancer-free checkups were always a blessing to hear about.

While she was recuperating at home from her reconstructive surgery, she studied for her real estate license - and passed her test. She has a great determination and drive in all that she does.

Toni has been through so much in her 34 years. She is one of the most positive and grateful people I know. She is the giver - collecting shoes for kids in need, making supply bags for the homeless, organizing donations and serving dinner at the homeless shelter, collecting clothing and funds for a family who lost their home to fire. She is always thinking of others and how to help them.

Her surgeon was only able to remove a little more than half the tumor, and she learned that she will never be cured. She faces a long and hard road ahead and will undergo treatment as long as she can. The radiation treatments will be in Seattle, a major trip from Port Townsend, especially with the limited ferry runs due to COVID. Toni is a true warrior and an inspiration. Any help will be greatly appreciated for Toni as she continues to fight for her life and precious time with her family.