Dear family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones,

At 33 years old, Becca Young has spent her entire career helping others heal. As a trauma therapist in Wilmington, NC, she has dedicated her life to supporting individuals and families through childhood abuse, neglect, relational trauma, grief, addiction, and chronic health challenges. Today, Becca is facing a difficult challenge of her own.

Becca was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. Thankfully, the cancer was discovered early, with no current evidence of lymph node involvement or metastasis. She is under the care of a specialized team at Johns Hopkins and is scheduled to undergo an Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) procedure later this month to remove the tumor. Following surgery, her medical team will determine whether additional treatment, such as lower anterior resection (LAR) surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy, will be necessary.

While we are grateful for this early diagnosis, the road ahead remains challenging. Because of the nature of her treatment, Becca will also require fertility preservation services that are not covered by insurance. She and her fiancé, Dan, have already begun facing significant and unexpected medical expenses.

For those who know Becca, her strength and perseverance come as no surprise. She has already overcome extraordinary obstacles, including recovering from malaria, a ruptured appendix, and a traumatic brain injury and brain bleed following a snowboarding accident in early adulthood. For years, she persisted through unexplained physical symptoms, tirelessly advocating for herself and seeking answers until she finally found the specialist who identified the cause.

Even while navigating her own diagnosis, Becca has remained committed to the people she serves. She has worked diligently to ensure her clients continue receiving care, maintaining appointments whenever possible and arranging referrals and support for those affected by her treatment schedule.

As both a therapist and small business owner, Becca's livelihood depends on the clients she serves directly. Unlike many employees, she does not have access to paid time off or extended sick leave. Her treatment at Johns Hopkins is expected to require at least 12 weeks away from work, and the full financial impact remains uncertain until her treatment plan is finalized.

If you are able, please consider supporting Becca during this difficult time. Your contribution will help offset medical expenses, fertility preservation costs, lost income during treatment, and other unforeseen challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. If a financial contribution is not possible, sharing this fundraiser and keeping Becca and Dan in your thoughts and prayers are equally meaningful ways to help.

Becca has spent her life helping others find healing and hope during some of their most difficult moments. Now, she needs the support of her community as she focuses on her own healing journey.

Thank you for standing with Becca and Dan during this chapter of their lives. Your generosity, encouragement, and support mean more than words can express.