Support Natalie's Fight Against Breast Cancer

Heartbreakingly, our Natalie was diagnosed with stage 2B, aggressive breast cancer and will be going through chemo, surgery and radiation. With Natalie’s diagnosis comes a mountain of medical bills. This fundraiser is a way to raise money for the Siniard family to help with payments towards Natalie’s treatment and balance the cost of living while she is unable to work. Nat will also spend large chunks of time away from home as her doctors and some treatments are in Chapel Hill. Travel and accommodations for her and the family/friends that come to support her will be expensive.

Natalie has a fight ahead of her, but she’s strong and we feel encouraged and hopeful. Thank you, thank you for any monetary support you can contribute to Natalie and her family as they start this healthcare journey. All donations will go directly to the Siniards to help pay their mortgage, medical care, and day-to-day expenses.

Karli, Natalie’s sister, is organizing this page on behalf of the Siniard family. Please share and help me spread the word to any individuals, groups or organizations that may have the means to help. Friends and family are planning a local fundraising event in November, more details will be shared soon.

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Natalie’s Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Natalie received the results of her biopsy on Monday, September 23, 2024 - invasive ductal carcinoma with a cancerous tumor in her left breast and affected axillary lymph nodes. This news came as a shock to her and her family, but everyone was determined to begin treatment as soon as possible. However, Hurricane Helene had different plans and ripped through our mountain communities just two days after her diagnosis. In the aftermath of the storm, we couldn't communicate with her doctors and weren't sure when their facilities would get power/water and be able to open. Being unable to communicate, look up information or travel easily during this time was extremely distressing.

By Monday, September 30, it was clear we needed to consider relocating Natalie‘s care to Chapel Hill, and with the help of family and friends, we were able to make it happen. Karli, Natalie, Kristi and Ellis got on the road and arrived in Chapel Hill Monday night. The care Natalie has received at UNC Hospitals has been amazing so far.

We were embraced by close friends and family in the Triangle who opened their homes to us or sent dinners on nights when the fear of the unknown was overwhelming. Witnessing and experiencing the support and recovery after Hurricane Helene and Natalie’s diagnosis has cemented the importance of community and family ties. We are all in this together and can’t do it alone.

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About Natalie and the Siniard Family

Anyone who knows Natalie, or Aunt Hootie, knows that she is a caretaker and an all-around amazing human being. She has the uncanny ability to capture the heart of just about every kid she’s ever met. She has a special, comforting nature that allows her to connect with the elderly and those with disabilities and has taken these gifts as a caretaker and nurturer and turned them into a career. She has held various roles at the Boys and Girls Club, adult care centers, assisted living facilities and is currently a caretaker for a woman with autism. Natalie also works part-time at a garden nursery in Brevard. Don’t get me started on the jungle she has created at her home. She can look at a cutting and it will double in size. She leaves no abandoned animal or plant untended or unloved. And on top of all that, she exhibits a freeness and willingness to cut loose and be silly. We love our Nat Nat so much!

Natalie and Adam recently moved into a house NEXT DOOR to Natalie’s parents, Mark (Pop-pop) and Kristi (Nana) in Cedar Mountain, NC. Needless to say, Nana and the whole family are thrilled with this arrangement. They share this home with their 3-year-old son, Eldon and Adam’s sons Ayden (14) and Ethan (20). This move has been a goal for Natalie and Adam for quite some time. Adam works for a company that creates wood products for outdoor learning environments, playgrounds, nature play areas, museums, childcare centers, and parks. The Siniards are a hands-on family full of creative energy and a love for the natural world.

Follow Natalie's journey at her CaringBridge site .