Join Susan's Fight: Battling Breast Cancer Together

Well I never thought I'd be here. I wish I was asking for a gift registry for the wedding I'll never have, or telling you what I need for the new baby that I'll never carry. Those are the things our friends and family rally around, but unfortunately that's not the case here. Dramatic? Maybe. But remember I was a theater major.

On Thursday, April 4, 2024 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I'm 43. Single. And I really need your help.

Do you know that the average treatment for breast cancer costs upwards of $150,000? It's the most costly of cancers and requires a lot of post-treatment follow up and care. I LOVE my job as an occupational therapist and academic, but my insurance costs a lot and requires that I pay 20% of all my health expenses.

I feel incredibly fortunate that I'll be receiving care at Scripps Cancer Center in Southern California because I couldn't be in better hands. I know I'll beat this as long as I can stay strong, focused, mindful, and have the least amount of stress possible.

I'm a pretty private person so this ask and this story is a little tough. I am newly living on my own again which means my living expenses are increasing and I'll need to stay in Southern California for the quickest and best treatment. My dog has been my registered emotional support animal for many years now to help manage trauma and anxiety. He's the light of my life and the only kind of kid I'll be able to have. He just turned 14 years old and will require care that I won't be able to manage on my own as I'm recovering from surgery and going through active treatment. My small but mighty family, my mom and brother, live in Las Vegas and will need to travel to help me at my most vulnerable times. I know there will be days I won't want to cook or clean and living alone makes that pretty hard without hiring the occasional person or ordering takeout (healthy and cancer-friendly, I promise!). I am seeking options for oncology massage, acupuncture, and therapy as adjunctive supports for this battle but none of those are covered by my health insurance.

I'm hoping work continues to be the lovely distraction it's been so far, though I also know I may have to work less. I'm hoping to keep contributing to the health and well-being of others, leading in my field, volunteering my time for local animal rescues when possible, and discovering how to live a good life despite this little detour. Even $5 could help make my day by letting me get an iced matcha on my way home from radiation. If you can't manage that, because, my goodness, do I understand that times are tough for many, please just send your good vibes, your prayers, your loving kindness meditations, or your thoughts of strength and courage my way. I sure could use them.

Any funds I don't end up using directly related to my care will be going towards fundraising for others in need with a breast cancer diagnosis.