Some of you know me as Kim, some of you know me as the online character Platypus.

In March 2026, at 54 years old, I went in for what I thought was a routine follow-up mammogram. I walked out with a cancer diagnosis that changed everything.

I have Grade 3, Triple Positive, invasive breast cancer with a Nottingham score of 8/9 — the most aggressive subtype. In April I had a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy, only to find out my pathology revealed far more than imaging showed. In two weeks I'm having a bilateral mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy, a year of targeted therapy, possibly radiation, breast reconstruction, and 5 years of hormone therapy.

This isn't a short road. From multiple surgeries through breast reconstruction, I am looking at a minimum of 1.5 years of "active" treatment and recovery. That means time missed from work, ongoing medical appointments, bills, travel costs, and practical day to day needs that insurance doesn't cover.

So far, I'm doing this largely alone with no immediate family support (aside from my husband) and the generous support of some friends, amazing coworkers, and the online community helping me get supplies ready. I am eternally grateful for all you have already done.

I'm not asking for sympathy or toxic positivity. I'm asking for a little help navigating what is going to be a long and expensive road.

If you've ever laughed at something I posted, if my platypus character ever made your day a little better — or if I've donated to your causes and helped you out in the past, this is your chance to return the favor.

If you need additional verification, I'm more than willing to share that with you.

Love to you all.

And get your mammograms... NOW!

Kim