Two months ago, just weeks before joyfully welcoming their newborn twins, my sister-in-law, Amber, and my brother, Ian, received devastating news: Amber had been diagnosed with Stage 2 Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) — an aggressive and rare form of breast cancer, known for its rapid progression and challenging treatment.

While most new parents are navigating sleep deprivation and feedings, this incredible couple was thrust into the unthinkable: the insertion of a port into Amber’s chest to receive chemotherapy before delivering her twins 5 weeks early via c-section. This was done at the advice of her oncology team because of how threatening this particular form of cancer is. They wanted her to begin treatment immediately. I can’t imagine the grief and fear that a situation like this would provoke. It is unfathomable.

Recovering from a c-section, navigating the emotions and hormones that are compromising for any fresh mother postpartum, and parenting a two year old and newborn twins are all things Amber was expecting to deal with. Beginning chemotherapy just two weeks after giving birth is not. She’s now halfway through a grueling 16-round treatment plan. She needs injections that Ian administers regularly to help her white blood cell count stay elevated enough to even receive the chemo in the first place.

Amber recently expressed to me the anxiety she has when going in for an infusion because if her levels are too low, that would delay her treatment. Following her full course of chemotherapy, she will undergo a double mastectomy, which will require even more rest and recovery. Her body is doing so much healing, nourishing, and fighting. She’s keeping it real, though, sporting her favorite shirt that says, “I grew twins AND cancer. What’s your superpower?”

Amber has a career as a Physical Therapist. She adores her job. The prospect of returning to work is one of many motivating factors that will carry her to the other side of this crisis. She often expresses her gratitude for her co-workers at the hospital who stop by and chat with her while she undergoes her chemo infusions. At her side is my brother, Ian, a dedicated Air Traffic Controller with the U.S. Navy. He has been her rock — managing night shifts, toddler tantrums, bottle feedings, and countless hospital visits. This journey is not hers alone — it’s theirs. And while they are an incredible team, they are managing this almost entirely on their own, with no family nearby to support them. They need help.

This fundraiser’s goal is clear and essential: to raise $25,000 to pay for professional in-home childcare for the twins until they turn one year old.

Why childcare? Because this family needs hands-on, daily support as they face the enormous physical and emotional challenges of cancer treatment while caring for two newborns and a toddler. They are fortunate to have found a very special caregiver who is already part of their lives — someone who brings stability, kindness, and trust. Keeping this consistent support in place will allow Amber to focus on her healing, and ensure the twins and their big sister are lovingly cared for during this difficult time. At age one, the twins will be able to enroll in the Montessori school their sister attends — but until then, this extra set of hands is the family’s greatest and most urgent need.

Your donation will directly support:

No one is prepared for cancer — especially not while welcoming newborns. But this family is showing up for one another with love, humor, and grit. And now, we hope a community can show up for them.

If you’re able to give, your support will carry them through this incredibly hard season. Every donation helps. Every share makes a difference. Every kind word is felt deeply.