On Friday, May 7, I was diagnosed with bilateral stage 1 breast cancer. The time required for surgery, consultations, therapy, procedures, and recovery has been and will continue to be significant. I'm an independent consultant who gets paid by the hour, so time is money. There's no paid sick leave or vacation. When I can't work, we don't have income. My husband has physical disabilities, chronic pain, and related challenges that keep him from working. The financial impact of this situation is a stressor.

We are blessed and God has always taken care of us. Sometimes He does that through the generosity of friends, family and even strangers. A friend suggested that I set up this GoFundMe site in case anyone feels led to support us financially. The $ goal is a very conservative estimate of treatment expenses that are not covered by insurance, and the financial impact of income lost when I cannot work because I am being treated and recovering from treatment.

There are some non-financial ways to help in the Planner section of caringbridge.org/visit/sharbearcare. If you feel compelled to help in a specific way we haven't thought to ask for, don't hesitate to act. All acts of care and compassion are most welcome and appreciated!