Help Miss Lydia’s Cancer Recovery

Nothing prepares you for hearing the words: You have cancer.

This fundraiser is not just about my surgery — it’s about making space to heal fully—without staring into the face of the financial behemoth that IS cancer.

My name is Lydia Hamilton (Miss Lydia), and for over a decade, I’ve been helping people across Charlotte feel better, heal naturally, and reclaim their wellness.

If you’ve ever shopped the vitamin department of a healthy supermarket or love a great deal at a low-cost supplement store, chances are we’ve crossed paths — whether I was answering your questions about supplements, helping you choose the right herbs, or just offering a smile or encouragement on a hard day.

My Diagnosis

In April 2024, I was feeling off — weeks of not sleeping through the night. So I started getting tests done.

During a routine mammogram, the tech left the room and called in another tech to look at what she saw.

Several tests later (biopsies, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and bone scans) confirmed — I had Stage 2 Metastatic breast cancer that looked like it had spread to a lymph node under my right arm.

But how?! I asked. I eat whole and organic foods. I get 10,000 steps a day. I am one of the crunchiest people I know!

My cancer doctor said: This isn’t about an unhealthy lifestyle. Our environment and our world is very toxic right now.

Treatment and Recovery

I knew I wanted the cancer OUT of my body and I wanted to feel whole again.

I did a natural protocol — one that helped many of the clients I’d helped over the years. I food prepped, took a regimen of supplements, and started juicing (again) daily.

I joined an online fitness community to strengthen my body and mind for the fight ahead of me.

One year ago this month, I had a double mastectomy, all my lymph nodes removed from under my right arm, and temporary breast expanders put in place.

By August 2024, I’d recovered from surgery.

I went back to my job at the shop and began PT (physical therapy) and chemo at a local cancer center.

Once chemo began, I switched my protocol to mainly high-nutrient food and supplements that didn’t interact with my treatment.

Chemo day was every 3 weeks on Fridays.

The next day after EVERY chemo day I’d do my shift at the shop. I’d clock out and leave for one hour to get a bone marrow stimulation shot ( to help my white blood cells). Once I got back and clocked back in…. the shop was usually packed with LOTS of customers with LOTS of questions about the latest vitamin or supplement. It’s definitely a VIBE like no other!

My last day of chemotherapy was just a couple of days before the Thanksgiving holiday. I lost my hair, my nails were broken down to the quick — but I never lost my spirit.

A Setback I Didn’t See Coming

In May 2025, my surgical team submitted the pre-authorization for reconstruction completion to my insurance.

One week later, the pre-authorization came back approved.

Three weeks later, I got my paycheck and paid a 20% payment on the surgery balance (I get paid monthly).

The surgical office finally called and set a surgery date for June 12, 2025.

A relative (who offered to help me and had helped me in the past) asked for a monthly breakdown of what I needed.

When I shared it — just days before surgery — they told me the dollar amount was too much and backed out.

I was devastated. My surgeon agreed to postpone the procedure but strongly advised me to reschedule sooner rather than later — once my financial support is in place.

Where Your Donation Goes:

In order to set a new surgery date, I need your help!

Reconstruction Surgery & Recovery - $17,250

My breast expanders are temporary only and are not meant to stay inside my body permanently. The completion of my surgery is more than just checking another health box — it’s about preventing skin deterioration, infection, or additional pain from keeping them in for too long. A completed reconstruction can now last for 20-30 years from now. That’s nearly a lifetime of peace of mind.

$5000, gets me to the OR (Operating Room).

After surgery, I’ll go home with a post-op bra, compression garments, and a wound care protocol. Over several weeks, I will need more than just one bra and compression garment for sure.

The job at the shop is very physical (e.g., up and down ladders, reaching and lifting to stock shelves, pushing and pulling carts, as well as walking and standing for 6-7 hours a day). My surgeon thinks it will take 6-8 weeks for me to get back to full capacity.

Your donation will also help me cover lost income, household expenses (rent, utilities, cell phone, groceries, 3 or 4 button-down or zip-up tops, and comfy shorts), pick-up & delivery of laundry (can’t reach, lift, bend, or carry heavy things during recovery). I don’t have a washing machine or dryer in my apartment. I live on the third floor without an elevator!

Monthly Missed Payments as of Now: $1,665

Minimum Medical Debt Payment Past Due: $393

Anesthesia Payment Past Due: $431.60

Urgent Care Past Due: $45

Consolidated Debt Minimum Payment: $472.25 (Total Past Due: $794.15) Grand Total Owed: $8,440

Unexpected Medical Expense Fund: $25,000

If it’s one thing these past two years have taught me, it’s that life in general and cancer in particular is unpredictable. This part of the fund will provide peace of mind. Financially, I was not prepared for a medical emergency like cancer. This will provide a safety net for ongoing care, change of care, or emergency care. This is more than just an added wish, it’s what I know will help me live.

Even if we’ve never met, please know your donation means the world to me.

With your help, I can continue to help my Charlotte, NC community — without fear of financial disaster.

If we have met, if I’ve ever walked you to your product, answered your 20 supplement questions, helped you, your kids, your co-worker, your parents, your significant other — or just made you feel seen on your healing journey — please know it was (and is) my honor.

Now I ask — from my heart — would you walk with me on mine?

EVERY donation big and small helps me reschedule surgery and recover safely. Please share this when and where you can. I appreciate all of you.

Thank you for holding me up when I can’t do it alone.

With love and deep gratitude,

– Miss Lydia