On September 22, 2025, my life changed when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. From that moment forward, everything moved quickly—appointments, tests, decisions, and treatments—all with one goal in mind: healing and survival.
Because my treatment would impact my ability to have children, I underwent IVF to freeze embryos before beginning cancer treatment. This decision had to be made quickly and was both emotionally and physically overwhelming. Preserving my fertility was not only a medical necessity, but also about holding onto hope for life beyond cancer and the future I still dream of.
From there, I faced a long and challenging medical journey that included:
- Countless scans and tests to ensure the cancer had not spread beyond my breast
- Surgery to place a port
- Six rounds of TCHP chemotherapy
- And ultimately, a double mastectomy
I am incredibly grateful that insurance has helped cover much of my care, and I do not take that for granted. Even so, cancer care comes with many costs that insurance does not fully cover, and those expenses add up quickly.
I’ve been hesitant to ask for help, which is why it has taken me time to share this. I tend to handle things quietly and independently. But my loved ones have helped me understand that it is okay to ask for support, and that the emotional toll of this journey does not need to be compounded by financial stress—especially when help can truly make a difference.
While I am thankful to be on the other side of active treatment, the financial impact has been significant and ongoing. This fundraiser is meant to help cover medical and fertility‑related expenses that insurance could not fully cover and to ease the burden as I continue focusing on healing and moving forward.
If you are able to donate, please know that your generosity will go directly toward easing this burden. If you are unable to give, sharing this page or offering words of encouragement means so much. Every form of support—financial, emotional, or simply thoughtful—has carried me through one of the hardest chapters of my life.
Thank you for your kindness, support, and care.
With gratitude,
Ashlyn
How the Funds Will Be Used
Funds raised will help cover medical and treatment‑related expenses following my breast cancer diagnosis that insurance did not fully cover, including:
- Outstanding medical bills: ~$2,726
- Out‑of‑pocket insurance deductibles:
$5,500 for 2025
$5,500 for 2026
- IVF and fertility preservation costs prior to beginning cancer treatment, undertaken to preserve hope for life beyond cancer and the future I still dream of
- Ongoing embryo storage fees:
$75 per month through January 2028 (~$1,575)
- Additional testing, procedures, and follow‑up care
Total amount requested: $18,000
Any funds raised will go directly toward easing the financial burden of cancer treatment, fertility preservation, and ongoing medical care.
Organizer
