If you’ve received this, then most of you know me and my daughter in some capacity. First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to read this and even considering helping with this effort.

About a month or so ago after major surgery to remove it, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Carcinosarcoma or Malignant Mixed Mullarian tumor of the ovary. Needless to say, never having had any significant health issues up until this point, this was very difficult to hear. What was more difficult to hear was that while this form was fairly rare, it is also considered an aggressive form of cancer with a 50/50 chance of it retuning in 2-3 years. I am hoping, of course, that it will not and that we will both be able to put this in the rear view mirror by the end of the year.

That said, I will be starting 6 rounds of chemo shortly (just in time for Christmas.) While I am trying to stay positive, it has been difficult to explain to my 13 yo daughter, Emerson who has always had anxiety about something happening to me as an older parent. I have told her plainly, without prognosticating the worst case scenario, but I know that it weighs on her.

In all of this, as a parent, it has become incredibly important to me to try and keep as much normalcy for her as I can. As many of you know, Emerson spends 5 days a week at Cascade Stables after school riding, helping with the horses and lessons (her happy place) and takes comfort in the animals, her barn family and the putting in hard work to become the best she can at her sport. Given the constant struggle with school, this place is therapeutic and often shifts her mood after a difficult day, finding calm and peace in visiting with her horse partner, Knox (aka Tiny). Riding is and has been a huge part of her identity and sense of self esteem having been on the back of a horse in some capacity since age 4. It has also helped her to overcome some difficult challenges and helped her to persist, even when compelled to give up. I would say it has been as important in her learning as school has been and perhaps, more so in her learning about herself, trust and partnership.

With the immediate support of family, I have been able to manage her riding expenses to this point, but with time away from work, escalating hospital bills and trying to prioritize the mortgage and basic bills with FMLA, it is becoming a challenge.

While I am hoping to be able to get back to work as soon as possible, the challenge of work as a therapist while also undergoing chemotherapy is largely an unknown.

While initially, I was embarrassed at the idea of even creating this fund for her (SO many others have far more pressing needs and circumstances and surely, riding is a privilege not many do in the first place), a few friends had encouraged me as a way to allow them to help if they chose to, particularly given its relative importance to Emerson’s emotional well-being during a time that will be challenging for us both. Though I am typically not terribly good at asking for help, I decided to take the step.

I have opted to share this request only with certain friends and acquaintances I know, in lieu of any social media platform. Since I would prefer some privacy around this particular health issue and also wouldn’t want Emerson exposed to knowledge or commentary beyond what I’ve chosen to share myself, I would ask that it please not be re-shared on social media. That said, I am certain I do not have contact information for many in my acquaintance from ‘former lifetimes’ (ASH, SAIC, C4, NAMI, Childrens Bureau) so if any of you feel compelled to forward on my behalf via messenger, email or text, I will graciously accept.

Lastly, I will say that I sincerely hope no one feels any obligation in this request. If what you can offer up are good thoughts and prayers to the universe on our behalf, I will gladly accept them. This currency is also great indeed. Many thanks to you all

for being part of my life thus far. You are all

loved and appreciated.

Wishing you all love and light.

Dali