Help Tara Conquer Cancer

In May of this year, we received news that completely shattered the reality of our world. Tara was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. We ended up making the decision to relocate back to Minnesota to receive the best possible care for her and to be closer to family and friends. We put our home in Florida up for sale and are anticipating the right buyer comes along quickly and timely.

Upon arriving back in MN, Tara experienced an aggressive onset of blood clots that caused her to be hospitalized for a week. During her time at the hospital, a team of oncologists confirmed her cancer type/diagnosis. An immediate plan was put into place to get her started on chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy started in the middle of June and has brought on an entire onslaught of symptoms from fatigue and nausea to name a few and many, many more.

Additionally, she received a round of radiation on her shoulder that has its ‘own intense side effects. Currently, Tara is receiving chemotherapy in her hometown of Fergus Falls. This allows us to be close to her family while we manage her health and tackle this giant that has intruded into our lives. Tara will be transitioning her care to the Mayo clinic in August where we are hopeful that modern minds and technology will guide us down a path of solutions, healing, and a beautiful life for her.

Admittedly, this journey is not going to be easy. This journey is going to stare us in the face every single day and challenge every fiber of our beings. But, to know Tara is to know strength. To know Tara is to experience the best version of a person anyone could know and have in their world. Tara is a fierce fighter, and she is strong and steadfast. She is focused and determined to in all the hard and uncomfortable work that is necessary to conquer.

Tara will not be able to work indefinitely as her new focus and expectation in life is to kick cancer’s ass with both feet and to give it a wicked left hook that will send it back to where it came from. Because of this, her income has been significantly decreased. While we are grateful that she has pay benefits, they only last for so long. Her FMLA will expire soon as will her income benefits. I, Emily, am still working as much and as many days per week as possible to maintain our health benefits. I have also completed the necessary steps to take FMLA to care and be present with Tara 24/7. She has weekly oncologist, doctor, and pharmacy appointments that take up significant time for us to stay on top of every ounce of treatment possible.

Many have asked how they can help, and this is the best way possible that we have thought about that would impact us the most. It is stressful to acknowledge the avalanche of financial burden the medical bills, hospital stays, prescriptions, and just life expenses all of this has caused and the resources it has already tapped. As we adjust and navigate this new reality with less financial support and income, we are very grateful and humbled for any assistance anyone can provide for us as we manage the major and even daily expenses that are consistent and constant and that will keep coming.

Our perspective on life has changed and the community that has welcomed us with open arms will forever be a part of our DNA. We are so grateful for the help, support, and love that our families and friends have already shown during the beginning phases of this journey.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your healthy vibes, prayers, support, and love for Tara.

Update as of January 2025:

Tara had her recheck scans over the Christmas holiday. Those scans indicated some aggressive changes in her tumors. We were advised by her local team as well as the Mayo that we would need to change her chemo treatment immediately. Unfortunately, Tara’s body has weakened and she is unable to continue with treatment as of the first week in January. Hospice has taken over her care effective January 12th. At this time, her comfort is mine and her family’s top priority for Tara Marie. Prayers, good vibes, healing vibes and positive thoughts keep us going but so does the financial support to keep hospice going at this phase in the journey. All messages and mentions of Tara are communicated to her and with the energy she does have, I guarantee a smile, a nod, and even a thank you will be said to everyone!

I am no longer working. My FMLA expires at the end of this month. Once that is done, my position was eliminated and I will not be working. We will be transitioning to cobra to continue her coverage with no interruptions. Any financial help will go towards covering the increase in our premium cost. 

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read our story. Thank you for contributing how you feel it makes sense. 

To my sweet, precious, Tara Marie… she is my entire world. I’ll be by her side forever and ever.