Hi everyone!

I want to thank you for coming to this page and reading my sister's story.
 
Anyone who knows Heidi knows she can brighten any room with her fun, carefree personality. She is always willing to lend a helping hand or be a shoulder for someone to lean on. She is one of the strongest women I know, and now she and Ron need our help.
 
In January of 2020, just  3 months after losing our Dad, my sister was officially diagnosed with Stage III Breast Cancer in her right breast. After multiple mammograms, an ultrasound, and a biopsy, Heidi made the difficult decision to have a double mastectomy.
 
Once the decision was made, surgery was scheduled for February 10th.
 
Surgery went well and recovery was challenging, but I knew there was nothing my sister couldn't handle. If you know Heidi at all, you know that the hardest part for her was sitting still lol. After she was fully recovered from surgery (about a month later), Heidi got her chemo port put in and the next leg of her journey began.
 
Chemo was set to be 2 rounds; the first round consisted of two drugs. For the first round she was scheduled to go every other week for 8 weeks, totaling 4 sessions.
 
The first chemo treatment left her feeling tired and with no appetite, but her positive attitude never wavered. When it was time for her second treatment on March 25th, there were complications with her port and chemo was postponed. On March 29th, Ron helped Heidi shave her head in preparation for her continuing treatments. Not only did my sister embrace the bald look, she's continuing to freakin' rock it!
 
After having a port study done, her doctor determined that Heidi's port was no longer functioning properly so, on March 31st, she had the original one removed and a new one placed in a different location. Chemo resumed on April 1st, and Heidi continued to kick butt all through the remainder of the first round.
 
Her second round of chemo started on May 13th, and was set to be once-a-week treatment for 12 weeks. Throughout the second round of chemo, my sister experienced both good and bad days, but her attitude always remained positive. She blew through chemo treatments like a champ and continued to work from home while doing so. She also grew an entire garden of sunflowers, dahlias, and other flowers in the process. Heidi and Ron took trips in the MG, and tried to remain as active as possible, not stopping for a minute to feel sad or upset about her diagnosis. Together, they continued to fight the fight.
 
Fast forward to July 29th and Heidi FINISHED CHEMO!!!!! Her bloodwork looked awesome, and she rocked both rounds of chemotherapy just like she said she would!
 
Heidi had her port removed at the beginning of August, and has begun physical therapy appointments to help with strength in her arm and elasticity in her skin in preparation for radiation.
 
Radiation treatments are scheduled to begin at the end of the month, with a grueling routine of Monday - Friday for 7 weeks.
 
This next part of the journey will be tough, and my sister and Ron can use all of the support they can get. Heidi still has a long road ahead, and medical bills are already adding up. On top of her battle with cancer, Heidi's position at work was eliminated due to COVID-19, and she no longer has a job to return to, making the bills, and her treatment all seem even more daunting.
 
I know she would never ask for help, but I also know she has an incredible network of friends and family who would rush to her side at a moment's notice. I appreciate your taking the time to read about my sister's journey so far. I have attached a link to her “caring bridge” website, where you can see her updates and write words of encouragement for her. I know she will appreciate them so much, even if you are not able to contribute financially at this time.
 
Heidi is an amazing and thoughtful person. I look up to her in so many ways. Her strength and perseverance through this time are incredible. To say she is my hero would be an understatement!
 
 
Thank you all again <3