Support Anna's Battle Against Breast Cancer

Anna (Annie) is a vibrant and loving mom of five, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, granddaughter, and most of all an awesome human who has always been a beacon of light for those around her. Whether it’s her sense of humor or her unwavering support for friends and family, or professional commitment to her career, Annie has touched countless lives in her walk.

Anna currently resides in Lapwai, Idaho with her husband, Gary Clark Jr., and three children: son 14 yrs old (9th grade), son 11 yrs old (6th grade), and daughter 2 yrs old. She is also mom to her young men ages 22 & 26 as well as their significant others. Anna received news that changed her world in a moment's notice, she learned she’d be facing one of the toughest battles of her life: breast cancer.

On June 10th, during a regular mammogram visit, they found two lumps. Since then Anna’s life has been a whirlwind with multiple tests, pictures, ultrasounds, biopsy, MRI, echocardiogram, port placement, and now moving forward with chemotherapy with eventual surgery.

Here is an outline of Anna’s treatment plan for the next 20 weeks:

• Anna’s diagnosis is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (breast cancer), grade 3 (very aggressive), ER (Estrogen), PR (progesterone, and HER2).

• Anna will begin chemotherapy treatment with medical oncologist Tyler Buckley of Lewiston Idaho at Cancer Center. She should be completed after the New Year if her body holds up.

• They will do more mammograms to monitor its size. After this, she can move forward with surgery at Cancer Center Northwest, Dr. Moline, surgical Oncologist in Spokane, WA.

• Anna has chosen to do a double mastectomy (removal of both breasts). This surgery will determine if radiation is needed. If all goes well, Anna will go to reconstructive breast surgery 6 months after radiation.

• A very long road ahead for her with lots of medications, traveling time to and from doctor visits & chemotherapy treatments, time off work, and caring for her family of 5.

• Anna’s leave of absence from work begins on August 15, 2024. Regrettably, she does not qualify for any type of financial assistance through federal, state or tribal programs that she inquired about.

Anna will begin chemotherapy very soon, a grueling process that will likely take a toll on both her body and spirit. Despite the challenges, Anna remains hopeful and determined to fight this disease with everything she has. Nonetheless, some days do feel heavier than others and with her elevated numbers/statistics can at times leave her feeling empty and or with the weight feeling too heavy to bear.

The financial burden of cancer treatment is immense. Expenses will begin to pile up, and these estimated costs are overwhelming. This is where we come in. We have established this Go Fund Me account to help Anna cover expenses so she can focus on her fight, mental wellbeing, and recovery without the added stress of financial worries.

How You Can Help:

1. Donate: Any amount, big or small, will make a significant difference in Anna’s journey. Your contribution will go directly towards her expenses, helping to ease the financial strain along the way.

2. Share: Let’s spread the word about Anna’s fundraiser. Share her story with your friends, family, and social platforms. The more people who know about her situation, the more support we can gather and create awareness in our own circles and open the dialogue.

3. Support: Share encouragement and love with Annie. Staying connected and knowing she is being thought of, supported and love, can lift her spirits when she may need it the most.

Your support can make a significant impact with Anna and her family. Remember, even small gestures can mean the world. If you have any questions, feel free to ask! Anna is open to share her journey but keep in mind that the each step of the way has been incredibly emotional, so please approach thoughtfully and with kindness.