Help Stephanie TRIUMPH over Breast Cancer!

My name is Douglas. If you know me at all, then you know my wife Stephanie. She is a devoted wife, loving daughter, dedicated mother, and fierce friend. Her life is filled with selfless acts of giving of her time, talent and treasure. She is the center of my world, my rock, my loudest cheerleader...and she is now battling cancer. We both work hard, earn a decent wage and give to our friends and family what we can, but we did not plan for cancer. We have just begun this journey and between travel to Cleveland for diagnosis, treatment, and after-care; hotels; lost work time for recovery, and the out-of-pocket for medical care are already over $1000 and this is the very beginning.

Make no mistake, Steph will beat this. She is a strong woman and I have seen her triumph over countless adversities. However, I know that she is already thinking about short-changing her recovery due to the expenses. She doesn't deserve to carry that weight. I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure she can focus on her recovery and long-term health, but I am quickly realizing I cannot do it myself. I need help.

This is where you come in. Many have already made phone calls and sent notes of encouragement and we treasure those things most of all. However, those things cannot pay the mounting costs of cancer care. I realize it is the holidays and everyone has their challenges. If it is in your ability, we would appreciate anything you can give.

I have set the campaign at $10,000 which should enough to cover the costs associated with treatment and recovery as well as allow Steph to take the 6 week post-operative recovery time the doctor is recommending (her current sick/disability time will only cover 2 weeks post-op).

Currently, we have already accrued over $1000 in bills for diagnostics. We will be traveling to Cleveland on Dec. 20 for additional imaging which will cost another $1,100 out of pocket. In addition, each trip to Cleveland is $50 in gas and $200/night for a hotel near the Clinic. Her surgery is Jan. 9 and we will be there for 3 days and have no idea what the out-of-pocket with be. As we identify more costs, we will certainly share them with our donor community.

I do not believe in something for nothing. I have already taken a second job and will work as many hours as possible to support Steph's recovery. In addition, I make the following two pledges:

1.) Any funds donated that are left over after Steph TIRUMPHS over Breast Cancer will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation (https://www.komen.org/)

2.) For every $1,000 donated (up to the goal of $10,000), I commit to making a $10/month perpetual donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation (https://www.komen.org/) to help others TRIUMPH over Breast Cancer.

I thank you profoundly for reading this far and considering donating to our cause. Whether you decide to donate or not, thank you! Please consider forwarding this to others.