Hi, my name is Sarah Conner. On July 2nd of this year, we received the devastating news that my sister, Lindsey McCully, was very suddenly and unexpectedly diagnosed with a rare and very aggressive cancer. Lindsey has Inflammatory Breast Cancer, an extremely fast-spreading, and tragically, often fatal cancer. The reality is that Lindsey needs help, and quickly, if she has any chance of overcoming this enormous blow.

But let's back up.

Lindsey lights up a room, truly. Her laugh is the loudest, her smile is the biggest. She has more personality than most of us could ever aspire to. When I was 10, she became my big (step) sister, and I absolutely idolized her! How could anyone have a big sister so cool?!

Lindsey is so special to all of us. She is our Linz, Macadoodle, Mac, LuLu, Aunt Lu. And we would do anything to help her. The challenges we face are greater than the resources we possess, so we are humbly sharing our story with you in hopes that you will join us.

So here is what we know:

Lindsey has stage 4 IBC. She needs to start chemotherapy as quickly as possible to give her the best chance of survival. After navigating a series of incredibly frustrating setbacks related to insurance, we have finally secured the many appointments necessary to begin chemo, as well as many of the numerous other tests and treatments that will be required.

The onset of the disease has been extremely rapid, leaving her husband, Cory Fankhauser, unable to work normally while he cares for her, and Lindsey unable to work at all. Given the severity of the situation, we also want to support a reduced workload for Cory so that he can spend more time with Lindsey and help her get the care she needs. They are both self-employed, leaving them no safety net for lost work.

Due to the aforementioned insurance issues, they will have to cash pay in advance for all of her treatments and tests, and hope to be reimbursed soon. But the expenses are enormous, and with such short notice, insurmountable.

We have estimated many of the initial costs to come to our fundraiser amount, including lost income, insurance deductibles, and other necessary costs. The financial needs will certainly increase with time, but this is where we are putting our focus today. Lindsey’s mother, Judy, will be handling the fund for now so that Lindsey and Cory can focus on what’s ahead of them.

So although I know that this is one of many causes to which you will be asked to lend a hand, and there are so many worthy causes in this world, I still ask that you help me save my sister. Anything at all makes a difference, to Lindsey and to our family. We are so grateful for your generosity, and for continuing to share this message.

Thank you