As many of you know, breast cancer has deeply affected our family through multiple generations. Our beloved matriarch, grandmother and mother to our family, Mami Tis, was a fighter until the end, and we carry her memory with us every day. Along with our very own aunt and sister, Veronica, who has also went through her own breast cancer journey recently. However, the journey never really ends.

This year, our beloved Mandy, my mom, received news that changed everything. What began as preparation for a breast reduction led to an early diagnosis. She had moved up her annual mammogram for pre-op testing, originally scheduled for September. However, during her June appointment, additional imaging revealed areas of concern. A deeper mammogram and ultrasound followed to which a biopsy confirmed breast cancer on July 15, 2025.

On August 27, Mandy underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction. Unfortunately, her recovery took an unexpected turn when she developed an infection, and on September 15, she needed emergency surgery to remove her expanders.

At her second post-op on October 1 (following her emergency surgery), Mandy had her drains removed in the morning and later met with her oncologist in the afternoon. She received the encouraging news that no radiation will be needed, only medication. She will return to yet another surgery on October 6 to have her expanders put back in and continue her breast reconstruction journey.

Anyone who knows Mandy knows she is selfless. She gives her unsolicited time, love, and energy to others without expecting anything in return. She’s known for checking in on everyone, offering help, and lifting others when they’re struggling. That’s what makes this moment so hard for her with learning to rest and allowing others to offer a helping hand especially during her extreme recovery. Everything has happened so fast, and it’s been an emotional journey with little time to breathe, but she continues to face it all with strength and faith.

Through it all, Mandy has shown incredible courage, but this journey has taken a heavy toll physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. Between surgeries, recovery time, time away from work, and the added expenses at home, the strain has been overwhelming.

We want Mandy to be able to focus on her healing and recovery without the heavy worry of financial burdens. We are reaching out to friends and family to ask for support whether through donations, sharing this page, or keeping Mandy in your thoughts.

Every bit of love and support makes a difference and reminds Mandy she is not walking this journey alone.