I'm Kayla Hahn (Armtrout), Daughter of Denise Armtrout (aka Mama D). If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Denise, she is a Mother of 2, Nene (Grandma), Friend, Daughter, and Sister, whose battle with breast cancer (since diagnosed January 2023) hasn't been very public, but has been complicated, painful, & lonely.

After several misdiagnosis' (beginning circa 2020), and the removal of what we believed was just another Lipoma during a 'routine' appt with her plastic surgeon, we were told she had Bi-lateral, invasive, lobular & ductal carcinoma (aka cancerous tumors in both breasts, everywhere). Amidst managing a myriad of other chronic & autoimmune diseases (over the last 18 years).

To paint the picture, I've never had to fear anything because I have my Mama who always has the solution. She says things like, "we will get through this, it will be okay, it doesn't hurt that bad." This time was vastly different. She welled up with tears. She was speechless, nothing came out of her mouth. I was terrified, and honestly gutted by the lack of treatment options, empathy, and support extended to her in that moment. Visceral.

Since that day, she has been her own advocate and relentless in her pursuit of 'out-of-the-box' thinkers, facts, research, oncologists, nutritionists, specialists, and surgeons.

She recently underwent (2) partial mastectomy surgeries at UCSF Berkeley to remove the cancer (on 9/8 and another 10/25). Both surgeries were successful by way of the pathology results, and we will have follow-up scans once she is cleared for imaging in a few months.

However, now the real battle/work begins to ensure the cancer does not return. In a few words, the upside: we feel she is surrounded by the alternative medicine "dream team." The downside: The treatments and services offered are not covered by insurance and are extremely expensive. She will need to begin treatment at an alternative outpatient facility ASAP. Beyond that, she has several daily needs that are barely being met, which aid in managing her other diseases. To list a few (not exhaustive): Supplements/vitamins, lymphatic drainage massage, acupuncture, compression garments, gas/assistance to get to long-distance appointments, dietary needs/groceries, etc.

If you know my mom, or have ever had a conversation with her you'd know she is extremely independent and resourceful. She is the kind of person to offer help, not ask for it. She also does not live outside of her means and is a great saver. She is gifted with the ability to make something out of "nothing", whether that be in people, possessions, or food scraps, she'll make the most of it and create something beautiful! Her huge heart and ability to make others feel seen, heard, and accepted is unparalleled. Simply put, she'd go hungry, if that meant someone else would be fed.

As we enter the season of giving, thankfulness, & gratitude, it has been HEAVY on my heart to share this with anyone who will listen or might feel inclined to help. We aren't promised tomorrow, so make the most of today. Tell the ones you love, you LOVE THEM, you are proud of them, you MISS them. Change your perspective, step back and you'll see that the little things are actually the BIG things. The fact that we can walk, see, smell, feel, drive, eat, have shelter, water, and want for NOTHING are a blessing.

Cancer is painful, lonely, scary, tiring, relentless, ugly. Adversely, it is an opportunity to open your heart and completely changes your outlook on life, and the outlook and perspective of those around you.

If you know my Mom, I encourage you to give her a call, text, Facebook message and offer a few minutes of your time to catch-up/talk, and have some laughs. If you haven't had the opportunity to meet her, I hope that someday you cross paths so she can personally thank you for your kindness.

We are forever grateful and indebted to those that have the means to make a monetary contribution towards her fight, but are equally grateful for those that help spread the word and offer love, support, and prayers.

I have found that we tend to wait until our loved ones are no longer with us to vocalize and share all the beautiful things we think and feel about them. I would love if everyone who visits this page would drop a line for my Mama. Can be a fond memory, funny story, or just words of positivity and encouragement, she could sure use it :)

I will continue to update you all as we continue on this journey to whole wellness. God bless!