Dear friends and family,
I can’t begin to express how much your support has meant to me over the past seven months of chemotherapy and surgery for breast cancer. The care, concern, meals, rides, messages, and especially the weeks of in-person caregiving carried me through some very dark and traumatic days. Your financial support was equally critical, covering my basic living expenses at a time when I was completely unable to work. I am deeply grateful.
In July of 2025, I was diagnosed with a very aggressive and atypical form of breast cancer. I completed six rounds of intensive chemotherapy and underwent surgery on January 21st to remove the tumor and all 29 lymph nodes near that area. I am gradually recovering from the surgery and regaining strength each day.
Unfortunately, the pathology showed more cancer remaining than was expected, which increases my risk of recurrence and spread of the cancer to other organs. My medical team recommend a month of daily radiation followed by an additional year of chemotherapy.
After many conversations with my oncologist, and deep reflection with loved ones, I have decided to pursue radiation, immunotherapy and hormone-blocking treatment – but not the additional year of chemotherapy currently. This was the most difficult decision of my life.
The previous chemotherapy pushed me to physical and emotional limits I did not know existed. I am choosing a path that balances reducing risk with preserving my current health and quality of life. My doctors will continue close surveillance of my health and I remain open to further treatment if necessary.
My initial cancer diagnosis in July of 2025 came just as I was emerging from an extraordinarily difficult chapter. Over the past two years, I was the primary caregiver during my husband’s severe mental health crisis, which included suicide attempts, repeated hospitalizations in a number of facilities, and countless calls to 911. As his illness progressed, it became clear I could not keep either of us safe. We finalized our divorce in September 2025, and he now resides in a mental health care facility.
These overlapping crises – health, caregiving, legal and financial – have taken a profound toll. They have also clarified my purpose. I feel called to use my voice, experience and privilege to help fix our broken systems and give voice to people who have been left behind, and to rebuild the consulting and nonprofit work that gives my life meaning.
As I continue recovering from surgery and begin radiation and ongoing therapies, I am still unable to fully return to work and am facing significant financial strain. To help cover my essential living and medical related expenses during this period, I am launching a new GoFundMe campaign.
If you are able to contribute, I would be deeply grateful. If giving isn’t possible, sharing the campaign and simply continuing to check in means more than I can say. Every act of support – financial, practical, and emotional, sustains me and carries me forward. Please call or visit.
I remain hopeful and determined to rebuild a life that is purposeful, connected, and full.
With love and deep appreciation,
Teresa