Let's Support Stacy and Her Family

Stacy, John, Spencer, and Dylan, are accepting donations to assist them with the collateral consequences of Stacy's recent diagnosis and surgery. Many people have come forward wanting to help this awesome family - here is one way to do that.

Stacy was diagnosed with breast cancer about four years ago. She conquered that battle, and while doing so, started Fiercely Flat VT and now facilitates a breast cancer support group through the University of Vermont. Stacy took on that health challenge and incorporated her expertise as a licensed therapist to provide support to others. In April of this year, Stacy broke her back. This required an intense surgery that required removing a rib and moving her lung to replace her vertebrae with titanium brackets. It was determined that the break was caused by bone metastasis, a terminal cancer. Stacy underwent radiation in late May/early June. The next steps are to continue healing from surgery and receive a bone scan every three months to track detectable cancer and rate of spread. Given her age, deep commitment to her health, and the amazing work of her surgeons at UVM, her doctors are optimistic about the possibility that the metastasis will be undetectable and/or a very slow spreader.

As a result of the surgery and diagnosis, it was necessary for Stacy to end her private therapy practice. If you ask Spencer and Dylan, they will tell you, "mom fired herself." Thankfully, John has been able to maintain his position and his company has been very understanding and supportive. Stacy and John are also lucky to have health insurance and have applied for financial assistance through the hospital to cover some of what they still owe out of pocket. The loss of one income and ongoing medical expenses has caused an added layer of financial stress. Their financial needs are not dire and Stacy would encourage others to share resources with those surviving on far less. However, as super fans of the Burnett family, we naturally want to help so that Stacy can focus on her health and the kids can focus on being kids. A gofundme is a tangible way to do that.

Stacy is maintaining her deep commitment to doing everything she can to stay healthy while dealing with the physical and mental effects of her recent diagnosis. This includes physical therapy, reiki, acupuncture, counseling, and maintaining regular check-ups. She is also hoping to maintain her therapy license and reiki certification, which require ongoing coursework. Spencer, who is 12 years old, has become quite the cellist, like his father, John. He recently auditioned and got into Vermont Youth Strings. Dylan, who is 10 years old, is passionate about basketball, softball, Girls on the Run, and aerial silks. She has just joined the all-star softball league. Stacy and John are both members of the Dragonheart Breast Cancer Survivor rowing team. John is keeping up with the paddling and Stacy is hopeful that she will be well enough to return by the end of summer. See https://dragonheartvermont.org for more info.

Fellowship, productivity, and normalcy are essential factors in healing. If you know Stacy, you know she is handling all of this like a warrior. But let’s be honest -- we can help her not have to be a warrior.

We invite you to send what you can. Positive vibes are equally as welcome and appreciated.