Hi, my name is Keri, and I’m 33 years old.

Back in March, I found a lump in my breast. I tried not to panic, but I knew something wasn’t right. I scheduled a 3D mammogram, which I had on April 9th, followed by a diagnostic scan in early June. On June 16th, I underwent a biopsy—and it was confirmed a couple days later:

Invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2B, grade 3.

It’s aggressive. It’s moving fast. And so now, I have to move fast too—with treatment, decisions, and trying to hold my life together in the middle of it all.

I’ve had to make decisions in the last few days that affect my life. Do I plan to have children (I already have a slim chance of ever getting pregnant but making that decision at 33 was tough). Do I cold cap and keep my hair or lose it and toss out another piece of my body?

The truth is, cancer doesn’t just hit your body. It hits your ability to work, to earn, to breathe without fear. I haven’t been at my job long enough to qualify for FMLA, and if I have to go on medical leave during treatment, I’ll lose nearly half of my income. That means struggling to pay for bills, food, co-pays—basic survival.

My dad has been by my side every step, taking unpaid time off work to drive me to appointments, biopsies, and consultations. But that’s not sustainable. My mom is at appointments and stays home and supports me in every way she can, but we’re all stretched thin. Emotionally. Financially. Completely.

I hate asking for help. But I’m asking now—because I need it. Because we can’t do this alone. If you’re able to give, share, or just send support our way, it makes a real difference. Every bit goes toward helping me get through this without losing everything I’ve worked for.

Two weeks before my diagnosis I was making plans to use my VA Loan to buy a home. Now everything is entirely different. I hate asking for help but I think this may be one of those times where it’s okay to reach out.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for believing in me.