On June 29th, I heard the most dreaded words a daughter can hear from her mom…”Alicia, I found a lump.”

After a mammogram, biopsy, and MRI, we received the news. Invasive ductal carcinoma.

Fast forward a month, and here we are in the hospital, ready for surgery to remove those malignant lumps and a few lymph nodes. It’s been a scary, unknown journey since that day in June. My mom, Vicki, has been handling this with the same quiet strength she brings to everything in life - with no fuss, no drama, and definitely no spotlight. Our road after surgery is not defined yet, but we know it involves radiation, appointments, follow ups, and the possibility of chemotherapy.

So I’m creating this account on behalf of my mom, not because she asked, but because she won’t ask.

If you’re lucky enough to know Vicki, you know she's not the type to make a big deal out of anything…even now. She's always been the one people go to for help - not the one who asks for it. But the reality is, cancer treatment is overwhelming, not just emotionally and physically, but in all aspects.

Our goal is to lighten the load - so she can focus on healing, not on how to pay the next bill. I know so many people love and care about her — and I believe in the power of community. If you're able to contribute, it will go directly toward helping her with medical costs and everyday expenses while she can put her energy into healing.

This is about solidarity. It's about showing up for someone who has quietly shown up for so many others. Every donation, every message, every act of kindness will help carry her through this chapter with dignity and strength, because if it were up to her, she'd just quietly power through like she always does.

Thank you for showing up for someone who has spent her whole life showing up for others.

With love,

Alicia Epps