On November 17th, our family received the kind of news no one is ever prepared for. My sister Heather, someone who brings so much light, love, and strength to everyone around her was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of breast cancer (triple negative). After countless tests and appointments, we learned she has a 2.7 cm tumor in her left breast. Everything since then has felt like a whirlwind. She’s scheduled to have a port placed on December 3rd, and chemotherapy will begin shortly after.

In just one week, she has been to more doctor’s appointments than we can even count consultations, imaging, lab work, treatment planning. It has taken a toll on her physically, emotionally, and financially. She’s been told this will be a year long battle, and although she is meeting it with courage, the reality is overwhelming.

Most people don’t realize how many expenses come with a diagnosis like this, even with insurance. One of the recommended options during chemotherapy is a cold cap a cooling treatment that can help preserve her hair and support regrowth. While it doesn’t change the medical outcome, it can help her hold onto some sense of normalcy and dignity during a time when so much feels out of her control. Unfortunately, this alone costs $2,400 out of pocket, and it’s only one of many unexpected expenses.

Both she and her husband have already missed several days of work, doing everything they can to keep up with the nonstop appointments. They’re doing their best to stay strong for each other, but the financial pressure grows with every new step in this process.

The truth is, we don’t know exactly how much support they’ll need. Treatments, missed work, medications, supportive therapies, travel, and everyday bills add up so quickly. What we do know is that she shouldn’t have to carry this burden alone.

If you feel moved to help whether through a donation or simply sharing this page our family would be deeply grateful. A prayer is what we ask for most, especially as we head into the holiday season, a time that we know can be difficult for many. But if anyone has the means to help, even in the smallest way, it would mean the world to her and to all of us. She already has so much on her shoulders, and easing even a little of this financial stress would give her one less thing to worry about as she begins this fight.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for standing with her during this journey.