Hello, my name is Amanda Harris, and I am best friends with Kayla Harrell. I am putting this page up to keep her on the road to recovery from a double mastectomy. Fresh out of surgery, she is also the primary caregiver for her two children. Right now, the physical strain of making dinner is enough to send her to the hospital. She has to forego treatment when she doesn't have childcare and transportation to her doctor. She is currently in dire need of our emotional and financial support. Everything she does is for others. It's time for us to show up for her. Her resilience and bravery is outstanding. She will not let a dark day knock her down. Her sense of humor is unmatched. At times, she has made her battle with cancer hilarious. Nurses greet her with a sly smile, waiting to see what she will come up with next. She knows the lyrics to every song. She has the most obscure movie references ever. She is a badass mother, a master Pokemon Go trainer, a lover of pickles, and at the Renaissance Faire she was given a rose from the King! She is that awesome.

Kayla's story, in her own words:

Momming Through Cancer

There are few words more devastating than “You have cancer” but that’s exactly what happened to me. In August 2019, I was a 30 year old, healthy, active, breastfeeding, mom, who loved my job as a massage therapist, when I found a lump. After ultrasounds, mammograms, and a biopsy, my breast cancer diagnosis was confirmed. I was shaken to my very core. All I could think about were my children. My daughter was barely 4 and my son was 1 1/2. How do you wrap your mind around your entire life screeching to a halt? But, I was determined to beat this thing. To live and thrive and still be the best mother I could while fighting for my life.

After 6 months of debilitating chemotherapy where I lost my hair, the features of my face and body became almost unrecognizable. Then the lumpectomy with lymphadenectomy that left me scarred and in pain. Then the radiation that burned until my skin peeled off and was raw, leaving my body further battered and scarred. All of this during the Covid-19 pandemic. While everyone was dealing with lockdowns, I was coming to terms with becoming an immunocompromised person. But all of this I could endure because I was ready for things to get better and live my life with a new outlook and purpose. I’d entered physical therapy and felt myself slowly starting to rebuild my strength. And then came the magic word…remission. I was ready to move forward, but I could no longer keep up with the physical demands of my job. Multiple surgeries to my chest, back and axilla have left me unable to raise my arms higher than chest level. I’ve lost the majority of strength in my left arm and will probably never be able to massage again.

Determined to make it work, I entered a vocational school to become an ultrasound tech. I was very dedicated to my program and earned excellent grades. My kids were so proud to see mommy working hard to fulfill a new career path. I thought I had conquered this. I thought I was healthy. In 2022, there was a cancer recurrence. All my dreams for the future came crashing down around me. I had to take a leave of absence from school. In June 2022, I had a double mastectomy with the lat flap taken from my back. Waking up from that surgery felt as if a burning boulder had been placed on my chest. I couldn’t walk, could barely breathe, and felt nothing but the permeating, unceasing pain. Cancer recurrence is cruel and brutal. Nobody deserves the unimaginable suffering and sacrifice that this disease demands.

There is still a very long road ahead. And for that, I feel fortunate. Grateful to be here, with my children. Throughout it all, I have done my best to try to give them a stable environment, honestly answer their questions, and make happy memories with them while Mommy has cancer.

With all of the physical, emotional and mental turmoil, the financial burden that has befallen us seems to be yet another insurmountable hurdle. I am in true need of help with the costs of childcare, groceries, utilities, out of pocket medical expenses, back to school supplies and clothes, gas and travel expenses to my doctors appointments which are 3+ hours round trip extolling a heavy toll on my car not just in gas but also routine maintenance, and any other unforeseen expenses that may occur while I’m a recovering. This has changed every aspect of my life. It ended my career, changed how I view my health, and drained my life savings, which is why I am asking for help to start a new life. With the love and support of my friends and family, I continue fighting this battle. I am truly thankful and grateful for any kindness, generosity, and donations. Thank you!!