Hey friends,

Thanks for joining Kylee on her unexpected medical gallivant with colon cancer. While this journey began a couple weeks ago, I can assure you that as a family—and for Kylee herself—we are still processing news that has led to drastic changes, painful decisions, and very limited time to make them. As Kylee’s mom, this has been without question the most frightening situation we have ever faced. Each day brings more difficult conversations about her health, her future, and what comes next.

How This All Began

On Wednesday, March 4th, Kylee went in for a routine annual exam—just being a responsible adult. After battling several respiratory illnesses over the winter (COVID, flu, bronchitis), she was still winded, fatigued, and drained. She mentioned this to her doctor, who ordered bloodwork. Within an hour, Kylee was sent to Regions Hospital due to dangerously low hemoglobin levels, requiring an immediate transfusion—3 units of blood.

After a long, emotional night with no answers as to why her levels were so low, doctors were increasingly concerned.

The Devastating Discovery

On Friday, March 6th, Kylee underwent an endoscopy and colonoscopy. The results were horrific: a golf-ball-sized mass in her colon requiring emergency surgery the very next day. On Saturday, a gifted surgeon removed 16 inches of her colon along with several lymph nodes.

Pathology later confirmed what we feared: Stage 3 colon cancer.

After 8 days in the hospital, Kylee came home with me to recover—partly so her sweet kitty Vexy wouldn’t try to knead biscuits on her belly, but mostly because this mama bear needed her close.

The Good News… and Then More Hard News

We were relieved to learn that surgeons removed all visible cancer. But the cancer had already reached her lymph nodes, meaning Kylee now faces 6 months of chemotherapy.

As if a Stage 3 cancer diagnosis at 29 years old wasn’t enough—especially with no family history or explanation—Kylee is now forced to make urgent decisions about her fertility. The chemotherapy she needs has a high likelihood of affecting her ability to get pregnant in the future.

So on top of everything, Kylee must quickly decide whether to undergo an invasive fertility procedure to preserve her eggs. And while she has incredible support from an employer who treats her like family, her insurance will not cover fertility preservation.

Why We’re Asking for Help

This is where we humbly ask for your support.

Kylee should be spending the end of her 20s planning her wedding and celebrating life—not fighting cancer or having to make rushed decisions about her future ability to have children.

Your donations will help cover:

* Fertility preservation costs (not covered by insurance)

* Medical deductibles & out-of-pocket expenses

* Income lost during treatment (even with Minnesota Paid Family Leave covering up to 90%)

* Any additional medical or fertility-related procedures needed later

Kylee is strong, brave, and doing everything she can to face this nightmare head-on. But she shouldn’t have to do it alone. We’re leaning on our community to help relieve the financial burden so she can focus on healing and preserving her future options.

How You Can Help

Any amount—big or small—makes a meaningful difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page is just as appreciated.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for supporting my daughter during the most terrifying chapter of her life. Your kindness, love, and generosity mean more than you will ever know.

With endless gratitude,

Kylee’s Mom - Trisha