#StaciStrong Breast Cancer Fund
Why We're Here
Friends and Family, many--if not most--of you have probably already heard that my amazeballs baby sister is facing an epic adventure against breast cancer.
We know that she's going to kick ass. Hell, she's ALREADY kicking ass. After all, we come from a family of badass mothers, and getting through this is literally in her genes.
But for those of you who don't know us,
Meet Staci Lorrain
Staci, 28 years old, is a vibrant and kind soul. Her entire life exudes her mantra of positivity, kindness, and authenticity--and she's dedicated her career to putting words into action. Staci works as program coordinator for the Ivins Outreach Center, a non-profit that supports residents of Lower Bucks County, Pennsylvania with quality-of-life programs that direct those in need to existing social services, enable seniors to remain independent in their homes, and manage after-school and summer enrichment opportunities children.
Staci is a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a fiancé, a friend, and a colleague. When she isn't working, she's volunteering her time and energy to all those around her--bring joy and light every step of the way.
The Diagnosis
Three months ago, Staci found a lump on her breast--a dreaded moment that most of the women in our family share. You see, we're carriers of two genetic mutations--PALB2 and RAD51D--that predispose us to breast and ovarian cancer. At least 10 of our ancestors going back three generations have been diagnosed with one or the other cancer. Our mother, Mary Lou, is a survivor of both.
Staci is the first of our generation to get a diagnosis. She's also the youngest in our family history to be diagnosed. Her unique challenges, being so young and also a "first" in the group, aren't lost on us.
On Family, Community, & Strength
Our ancestors and mothers before us did not give us these genes. They didn't "pass down" our cancer risks. They didn't give Staci cancer. The freak-of-nature genetic lottery did that all on its own.
What our mothers, aunts, and all the women before them gave us--gave Staci--is a map, a guide, and determination. We're empowered by their journeys. We've learned from their obstacles. We're powerful because they showed us how to be. We are *prepared* because of them. Staci is STRONG because of them.
Staci didn't choose this path. No one would. But now that she's on it, she's already become yet another source of our matriarchal strength. We know she'll come out on the other side of this as radiant and powerful as ever--because it's literally in her genes (and heritage) to do so.
In Staci's Own Words
I’m not big on sharing my personal struggles on social media. I’m lucky to have a huge support system in my amazing partner, our families, friends, and coworkers; all of who give me strength to conquer whatever obstacles I face. But I do appreciate that FB creates the ‘memories’ posts from previous years, and this journey is going to be something I want to remember in years to come. I also deeply believe in the power of positivity and what the FB community of friends I’ve built may be able to offer in trying times.
Although it is difficult for me to open up and be vulnerable here, I’m choosing to use this platform [facebook] as an interactive journal to help process what’s to come. To take away the burden of discretion. And not only to share my experiences as someone who received a breast cancer diagnosis at 28 years old, but to hear from survivors and current warriors battling the most difficult times of their lives, too. I’m not the first, I’m not the only, and I won’t be the last.
And let me take this moment to thank all the kind humans who have sent their well wishes and showed their beautiful souls to me as I navigated the past few weeks of testing and diagnosis. I’m overwhelmed with love and gratitude for each of you. Thankful for my village
Asking for Support
Anyway, the point of this post is we all know that healthcare bills suck. And Staci has literally dedicated her life and career to caring for others, especially those in financial need. So we're hosting a fundraiser to help offset expenses for her. It's the least we can do for all she gives back to our communities.
If you'd like (and are able) to support Staci, information for the benefit/donations that contribute to her medical expenses are below. Every bit is a blessing and appreciated more than words could describe.
If you're not in a position to donate at this time--I know it's rough right now, especially for families and small business owners--please share this post if you could.
#StaciStrong #TeamTantum #breastcancerfighter #NoOneFightsAlone #Warrior
***Monetary Donations***
Direct digital donations can be made here on GoFundMe or through Venmo to Samantha Tantum (Samantha_Lauren_09). These accounts are directly tied to Staci's fundraiser account. Please put DONATION FOR STACI in the comments/memo area.
Donation checks can be made out to Staci Lorrain Tantum and mailed to
Ivins Outreach Center
c/o Jean Sawyer
80 W. Trenton Ave.
Morrisville, PA 19067
Please put DONATION in the memo line
***Fundraiser Event Tickets***
Do not use this GoFundMe for ticket purchases. To purchase tickets digitally, please Venmo Samantha Tantum (Samantha_Lauren_09) and put TICKETS FOR FUNDRAISER, the number of tickets, and your name in the comments/memo area.
For other ways to purchase tickets, or to get more information about the event, please contact us through GoFundMe directly.