My name is Estelle, and I am posting this on behalf of a very dear friend of mine and her family. Michelle is 44 years old and was recently diagnosed with Stage III-C Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). TNBC is a very aggressive and difficult-to-treat form of breast cancer.

Michelle has battled many health issues throughout much of her life. She was diagnosed with severe endometriosis in her early 20s, just after meeting the love of her life. She endured the pain long enough to have two beautiful children before undergoing a hysterectomy at the age of 27.

In 2014, at the age of 32, after numerous misdiagnoses, she was diagnosed with a rare skin cancer called Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP) in her thigh. Thankfully, it was caught early enough that surgery to remove the cancer and the surrounding tissue was successful, and that cancer has never returned.

In 2015, after countless doctor's appointments and being told there was nothing wrong with her or that it was "just migraines," and she had a low pain tolerance, Michelle was diagnosed with a left frontal lobe meningioma, a slow-growing benign brain tumor. Due to the tumor's inoperable location, her doctors have chosen to monitor it as long as it continues to grow at a slow rate.

Fast forward to about six months ago, when Michelle noticed a small lump. At the time, it did not appear to be a cause for concern, so it was being monitored. Unfortunately, that lump turned out to be TNBC.

TNBC can develop slowly and remain undetectable for years at the microscopic level before suddenly transitioning into rapid, aggressive growth. Michelle's tumor has more than doubled in size over the past two months, making it necessary for her to begin treatment immediately.

The challenge is that Michelle's body is extremely sensitive and she has allergic reactions to many medications and substances. Her prescriptions often have to be given in pediatric doses for her body to tolerate them. She experienced an allergic reaction to the iodine contrast used during her CT scan, as well as to the lidocaine administered for her breast biopsy.

One of the side effects of chemotherapy is brain swelling. Because Michelle already has a brain tumor, standard chemotherapy could cause serious long-term complications. In addition, her diagnostic scans revealed numerous cysts on her kidneys, raising further concerns because of the significant strain chemotherapy can place on kidney function.

Due to the fragile nature of her health, she is unlikely to tolerate standard chemotherapy and radiation well. Unfortunately, treatment options for TNBC are limited, and only a small number of specialized treatment centers offer the treatment Michelle needs. The closest treatment center is approximately 2½ hours from home.

Michelle is beginning a 12-week course of treatment this week. During that time, she will need to stay near the treatment center to receive daily treatments and blood work.

Because much of her treatment is not covered by insurance, the road ahead will bring overwhelming medical bills, travel expenses, lodging costs, lost income, and many unexpected financial burdens for Michelle and her family.

Please consider donating and sharing this fundraiser with everyone you know. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden so Michelle and her family can focus on what matters most—fighting this terrible disease and her recovery.

We also ask for your prayers to strengthen Michelle and her family during this very difficult time. She is a woman of strong faith in the Lord and knows the power of prayers. Whether or not you are able to donate, we ask that you please pray for Michelle—for strength throughout this journey and for healing.

Michelle has an incredible gift for making everyone feel welcome. She can walk into a room and make friends instantly with anyone. She has a glow and warmth about her that is truly indescribable. I wish everyone could get the chance to meet her someday.

She has always been the kind of person who would do anything she could to help someone without a second thought. Now, it's her turn to receive the love, support, and help that she so desperately needs.