A Message From Michelle

Hi everyone,

Life can change in an instant. In May, I went to the ER with heart issues, which turned out to be A-fib. I was admitted and contracted pneumonia while in the hospital, and just a few weeks after discharge, I was struggling to breathe.

Since then, I’ve faced multiple hospital stays, two fluid drains from my lungs. After all the tests and procedures, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Small Cell metastatic lung cancer that had metastasized to my brain. If not for the A-fib and the hospital-acquired pneumonia, the cancer would have never been found! Funny how things work out!

Since then, I have had 3 radiation sessions on my brain, and now ongoing chemo and immunotherapy. It’s been overwhelming for me physically, emotionally, and financially.

But here’s the good news: the treatment is working. My September MRI showed the spot on my brain has significantly diminished, and my most recent CT scan, scheduled for the end of September, will show if the tumors in my lungs and lymph nodes are shrinking. I can breathe better, I feel stronger, and I’m determined to fight this with everything I have.

I’m incredibly lucky to have the love and support of my amazing partner, Peter, and I’m deeply grateful for the prayers, calls, and encouragement from family and friends. You’ve carried me through the hardest days.

Now, I need your help. While insurance has covered some costs, the out-of-pocket bills — hospital stays, medications, scans, and ongoing treatment — are already over $17,000 and climbing fast. On top of that, we’re trying to manage day-to-day living costs while focusing on recovery.

I’m humbly asking for your support. Any amount — $25, $50, $500, or more — will make a meaningful difference and give me the chance to focus on healing instead of worrying about bills.

If you can’t donate, sharing this page and sending your love and prayers means the world to me.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for walking this journey with us. With your help, we’ve got this.

With love and gratitude,
Michelle & Peter