Heather is my daughter Breena’s dear friend — a loving mother to her 11-year-old son, Nathan, and all-around lovely lady who has shown incredible strength through her cancer journey. She is now facing her third type of cancer and her fourth battle overall. This time it’s Stage 4 supraclavicular adenocarcinoma (a form of non-small cell lung cancer) that has returned in the same spots previously treated with radiation.

Heather’s radiologist has been clear: radiation is her only realistic chance at meaningful control and a possible cure at this point. Without it, the plan would shift to maintaining with immunotherapy while hoping for more time. Traditional radiation carries significant risks in her situation because of the re-treatment to the same areas — possible complications that could be severely life-altering or even life-threatening. Proton radiation offers a safer and better option. It uses precise technology (the Bragg peak) to stop at the tumor and kill cancer cells while sparing more of the surrounding healthy tissue. While proton therapy still has risks, they are generally not as severe, giving Heather her best shot at fighting this effectively.

Heather is scheduled for a six-week course of proton radiation soon. Insurance should cover most of the high total cost, but we urgently need help to cover out-of-pocket copays/coinsurance, plus travel and housing near the proton center for the full six weeks. These funds will let her focus on healing instead of financial stress and logistics. I know how valuable and tightly scheduled proton radiation slots are. Heather has a narrow two-week window before her scheduled start. Delaying could mean losing this slot and waiting much longer — time she may not have — or switching to a less-ideal option.

Every donation, no matter the size, brings her closer to this important treatment and more precious time with her loved ones. If you can’t donate right now, simply sharing this page or sending a word of encouragement would mean the world. Thank you for believing in Heather’s fight and for any support you can give. Your generosity is turning hope into action during one of the toughest chapters of her life.