Nicole's Triple Negative Breast Cancer Fight

Hello, my name is Sarah Panagopoulos, and I am starting this fundraiser on behalf of my younger cousin Nicole.

On Thursday, September 8, 2022, Nicole (28) was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and on September 15th, we discovered the exact diagnosis was Triple Negative Breast Cancer Stage 3C Grade 3. Triple Negative breast cancer is extremely aggressive and exceptionally difficult to treat. Due to the severity, a plan was immediately put into motion for Nicole's treatment, there was no time to waste.

Nicole’s treatment will consist of 6 months of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, followed by a double mastectomy, radiation and additional chemotherapy. Nicole had her first treatment on Friday, September 30th and will continue with treatment for at least a full year.

This has left our family in a state of shock and disbelief as our family has been through this before and we have seen first hand what breast cancer can do. On December 26, 2016, we lost Nicole's mom to metastasized breast cancer. During that time, Nicole was going to school to become a teacher, she has always had a love for kids, but she decided to take a leave to become her mom's full-time caregiver.

After her mom passed away, Nicole eventually returned to school, but decided on a different path, this time as a Social Worker. Life was tough enough being a student living on her own but now with all the added medical treatment and expenses, it seems almost impossible.

We are trying to lessen the financial burden any way we can so she can focus on her fight. Her family is doing what they can, but unfortunately it still isn't enough to cover her minimum monthly expenses for the duration of the treatment. She has applied for disability but is still waiting on that.

Nicole is strong and determined to beat this cancer. While Nicole's doctors are optimistic, they have been honest in advising Nicole that the road to her cure is a long one. But we truly believe Nicole will persevere and fight her way through. Any contribution, large or small makes a major impact and truly helps lessen the financial and mental burden of all that this journey entails.

Thank you,

Nicole's Family