Hi, I’m Autumn and I am starting this fundraiser in honor of my Momma and my three children’s Nana. My mom Kristina was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Despite her reservations on creating a fundraiser, I know that at the very least my mom will have many, many people praying for her and spreading positivity onto her through this journey.

On January 11th my mom found a lump on her breast after showering. On January 17th she had gone in for her ultrasound. January 21st she had a core breast biopsy done. On January 27th my mom had all of us kids come over for dinner (minus my brother Alex and his Wife Kenzie who live in NC, but joined via FaceTime) and gave us the gut wrenching news that no child ever wants to hear. My mom’s pathology had come back positive for Breast Cancer. The medical term being Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. After meeting with an oncologist she had learned that the type of breast cancer she has is considered Triple Negative- the most aggressive form of Breast Cancer. This means a targeted treatment wouldn’t be of any help. Furthermore this meant that she would have to undergo many rounds of aggressive chemotherapy along with intermittent immunotherapy for a total of 6 months. Thankfully my mom has caught this in the early stages and as far as her scans show there is no growth outside of the isolated area in her breast.

Anyone who knows my mom knows that she is tough as nails and doesn’t crumble easily. She has been a true inspiration that when life gives you lemons you make lemonade. She has not fallen to defeat and she is not accepting any form of pity. She is holding her faith high in priority and is rolling with the punches. My mom is one of the strongest women I know and will no doubt fight this battle with every ounce of will she has. This is a promise that she has made to me for all of us!

By the grace of god my mom is surrounded by many people who love her and will support her and carry her on the hard days. With this cancer just like any other illnesses, comes the financial burden and hardship. My mom has devoted the last 15+ years to her work as a teacher at Creative Learning Center. She has taken care of so many babies and children and has given them the most unconditional forms of love and care. Spreading the word of god and speaking love into the next generations. As much as it hurts her to say goodbye to them, she has been advised by her physicians that it is in her best interest to not continue to work during chemo. As many of you know chemotherapy weakens one’s immune system making them more susceptible to infection and illness. My father and siblings and I are going to take care of as much as we possibly can but we are asking for a helping hand for my mom. We want her mind and energy to be focused on getting through this journey and not worrying about things like finances and medical bills.

Although it is not a garaunteed success especially with the certain chemo medications she has to have, my mom is willing to try cold capping to maybe save her beautiful dark brown locks. Thankfully we found a foundation to help with some costs due to cold capping not being covered by insurance but it is still an out of pocket expense each time she goes for chemo. Mom has made her peace with losing her hair but also is willing to give it a try. The cost is not a flat rate it is something we must pay for monthly along with the weekly cost of 40 lbs of dry ice needed for each chemo treatment. If we can get this covered my mom may be able to keep her hair for my fast approaching wedding.

Insurance only covers so much with chemotherapy and it’s heartbreaking knowing and seeing patients go through the financial burden when facing life threatening illnesses. Working in the medical field myself I see it all the time. If you are unable to give we understand for everyone is feeling the strains of the economy. If at the very least you could share this post, and send up all the prayers to the big man for a healing power, positivity, strength, comfort, and ease I know my family, my mom and I would be eternally grateful. I will continue to update everyone through this process as well. God bless and love you all!!!

Psalm 46:5. - “God is within her; she will not fail." ❤️