Alicia's Angels

While I often donate to others, I've never actually set up a fundraiser--until NOW.

Now I am compelled to start this fundraiser for a person that has touched so many lives and has added joy to every corner of the world that she has touched.

This fundraiser is for Alicia Bartnes, a woman whose contagious laugh, upbeat personality and incredible outlook on life have served as an inspiration for so many of us who have been fortunate enough to call her friend.

While Alicia would typically be the first person to reach out and lend a helping hand to anyone in need; it is now our turn to reach out and wrap our loving arms around her as she faces what is undoubtedly the most daunting challenge of her life.

Alicia has just received the devastating news that she has Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer (triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma for those of you with a medical background). This cancer has unfortunately already spread to her lungs and is considered incurable.

While the doctors have told Alicia that treatment can help to slow the disease's progress, Alicia says (in her own words), that "this cancer is not one to be beat, or overcome. Never in a million years would I think at 50 years old that I would be told I 'maybe have a couple more years', but here we are".

Despite this heartbreaking diagnosis, Alicia continues to maintain her incredibly positive outlook and says..

"I have always lived my life with positivity and have no intentions of stopping. I intend to enjoy every moment possible and create as many amazing memories as possible for my family and loved ones to cherish"

Alicia has two main concerns: 1.) She doesn't want her children to have to see her health deteriorate and she wants to be able to squeeze every ounce of joy out of the time she has left with her kids, her sweetheart, Patrick and other friends & family and 2.) She doesn't want the financial burden of medical bills to become a burden that her family has to bear.

As a small business owner (Alicia is a hairstylist extraordinaire and salon owner), Alicia's health insurance has an extremely high deductible and won't cover all of the expenses that are sure to be incurred. Additionally, as many small business people know--when you don't work, you don't earn. Although Alicia intends to keep working at her salon as long and as often as she is able (she considers it her "happy place"), she will obviously need to take time away from work for doctors appointments, treatments, recovery from treatments and self-care. This GoFundMe page is being set up to help ensure that Alicia's medical bills are met and that she is able to take time away from the salon when she needs it (without worrying about the financial implications).

If you know Alicia and have been touched by her incredible spirit, please, please consider donating. No dollar amount is too small, and every donation is greatly appreciated.

This is our chance to come together as a community and help show some love to someone who has made (and continues to make) a difference in so many of our lives.