In March, Marissa became worried after finding a lump on her breast during a self examination. After a visit to the OBGYN, Marissa's nerves were settled temporarily. A mammogram was scheduled just to be safe, but the results showed abnormalities. A biopsy confirmed that she had Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, specifically estrogen progesterone and HER2 positive. This is when her fears became a reality.

In order to decide the best treatment options to win this fight, multiple doctors appointments followed. After numerous consultations, including visiting some of the best cancer centers in the country at John Hopkins, Marissa along with her husband, Shawn, decided the best approach.

Marissa will be going through a vigorous 18 weeks of chemotherapy to shrink the size of the tumor. During the course of the 18 weeks, Marissa will receive chemo every 3 weeks for a total of 6 treatments. While completing chemo, she will also have to go through multiple imaging studies, blood work, and be on various different medications to manage the side effects of chemotherapy.

Once chemotherapy is finished, Marissa will then undergo surgery in order to remove what is left of the cancer that the chemotherapy did not get rid of, whether that be a lumpectomy or a mastectomy.

The final step in the process will be to receive a hormone therapy drug for 5 years following treatment. Marissa and Shawn's dreams of growing their little family, which includes their precious 1 year old daughter, Teagan, will be put on hold. During the course of the 5 year hormonal therapy, Marissa will be unable to become pregnant. With that comes additional costs, so they have decided to begin the process of egg freezing and storage.

In order for Marissa to beat cancer and resume her normal life of being an amazing wife, mother, daughter and friend, her family will need help financially. They will face an abundance of medical expenses that no family should ever have to endure. All donations will be used to cover the medical bills. Any money left over from the donations that her family will not need will be donated back to the cancer center in which Marissa is receiving her treatments at AAMC Rebecca Fortney Breast Center located in Maryland.

Not only is Marissa going through what will be the toughest chapter of her life, but it is also difficult to be living away from her hometown in Auburn, NY where all of her family resides. If you are unable to donate, please help by sharing this page to get the word out.  Let's all come together to help this beautiful mama beat this awful disease!