My name is Irene Acuña. I am a 45-year-old mother of three girls, Ociana, Marisol, and Lexi. I am also a grandmother of two girls. In September, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, which has spread throughout my body. It was hard for me to think about leaving my girls. I dreaded telling them the news. We have such a close relationship, and I can't imagine not being in their lives. But, I realize that all things happen for a reason, and I have found purpose in this diagnosis.

I remember leaving work early to tell my family the news. I didn’t wait to tell them that my treatments would not save my life, but they would extend my time with them. And at this point, all I want is to live out the remainder of my life surrounded by the people I love.

While I am overcome with my own personal grief, I feel compelled to stress the importance of getting tested early. More than four million women have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. It is important to get tested at least once a year. I never thought I would be diagnosed with breast cancer, so I didn’t think about getting tested. My situation could have had a different outcome with early testing, but my family gives me the strength to stay positive.

I am in the fight of my life. The fight to live as long as I can. The fight to inform every person to get tested. The fight to relieve my family of the financial burdens associated with this cancer. To do this, I need your support. I am humbly asking for financial assistance to offset some of the medical expenses that have become a burden.

Any assistance you can give me will afford me the opportunity to focus on my health and family while educating others to get tested.