Support Kaitlyn's Fight Against Breast Cancer

Hi, my name is Kaitlyn. I’m a nurse, a wife, and most importantly, a mom to two beautiful little girls — ages 4 and 1 — with another sweet baby on the way. Writing this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I’m reaching out to ask for help during a time my family and I never imagined we’d be facing.

Back in December, while exclusively breastfeeding my youngest, I found a lump in my right armpit. I brought it up at a medical visit and was told it was likely nothing — something that can happen while nursing. I trusted that, especially since I was in the thick of postpartum life.

Months later, in April, I mentioned it again to my OB. She reassured me that it was likely breastfeeding-related, but offered an ultrasound "just in case." At the time, I chose to wait and began weaning my daughter as recommended.

By the end of May, not only had I weaned my daughter, but we also found out we were expecting our third baby — a huge and joyful surprise. My husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer in early 2023, and we weren’t sure if we’d be able to conceive again. This pregnancy felt like such a gift — a light after a long road.

Then, things began to change. I developed a red rash on my right breast and noticeable swelling. I thought maybe it was irritation from a tight sports bra. But it quickly worsened — the swelling increased, the rash spread, and the lump under my arm seemed more prominent.

I went back to my OB and saw another doctor who thought it might be mastitis or cellulitis since I had just finished breastfeeding. He prescribed antibiotics, but I insisted on further imaging. As a nurse, I knew in my gut that something wasn’t right.

I underwent a mammogram and ultrasound, followed quickly by biopsies of both my breast and lymph node. A few days later, I got the call that changed everything: I have breast cancer.

Hearing those words while pregnant and raising two toddlers is beyond overwhelming. We are just starting this journey, and we don’t have all the answers yet. What we do know is that treatment is urgent, and it’s going to be a long road — physically, emotionally, and financially.

Asking for help is not easy. But right now, we need all the support we can get. Donations will go directly toward medical bills, treatment expenses, travel for care, and helping ensure our children are cared for during this time.

Even if you can't give financially, we ask from the bottom of our hearts that you share our story. Every share is a chance for someone to read this and help us stay hopeful, supported, and surrounded by community.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for loving us from near or far. And thank you for giving us a little more strength as we fight for this baby, for our girls, and for each other.

With love and deep gratitude,

Kaitlyn and family