Hello, we are Alyson Long and Wendy Meeker. We are helping our friend Brandy Hamilton setup an account to help her in her time of need. She has written a description below to help you understand her story and her needs. Please continue reading below for that story.

I have been recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer in February of 2024. I had what they thought was a benign cyst for over a year before they diagnosed me with Breast Cancer. In that time frame the tumor grew to 6cm and has spread to my axillary lymph nodes.

Due to this diagnoses I accepted a position that was offered to me to work remotely but that meant me taking on another position while others took on my regular duties as a Lead Pharmacy Technician at the VA Hospital. This offer really meant a lot to me but it also has become an adjustment as I take pride in my work. I have worked there for going on 4 years in October. While my fellow coworkers/leadership program members have helped me with donated leave to ensure I am getting paid while I am undergoing treatments and being ill from the treatments. This leave has ran out and I feel I have depleted this option.

I live paycheck to paycheck lifestyle as I have a 2 year old daughter to care for during this time. I have a partner that works but it is a startup business and he doesn't get paid if he isn't working. He has helped me through my treatments of taking care of me when I can't and taking care of our daughter.

We are suffering financially as I have depleted any leave thus far. When I take off for Dr appointments, chemotherapy infusions, being ill from treatments etc then I am missing hours which means I am not getting paid. I do accrue annual leave and sick leave but this only covers the day of treatment.

I have been having a lot of reactions to chemotherapy which is my main line of therapy to fight off the type of cancer I have. I actually stopped breathing and was close to having a heart attack with my very first treatment. There has been a long list of other adverse reactions along the way, neuropathy, joint pain, migraines, vertigo, the list goes on...

Due to my illness I have miss A LOT of work. I will miss almost 30 to 40 hours a paycheck lately.

All this being said I am asking for a little help. I know the economy is terrible and everyone seems to he struggling so I understand if a prayer is all you can send. I'll take it! Medical bills are adding up, gas, tolls, along with all the normal bills that come with making a life for yourself.

I have filled out paperwork for financial assistance so we will see how that goes.

I will be completing chemotherapy in 12 weeks and then I will have to make a decision on what type of surgery I will undergo to rid my body of what is left of the cancer. Then I will continue this journey to radiotherapy. I am not certain of how many rounds I will have to complete of that therapy yet. I will know more after surgery as that act as the "clean up" to ensure I become cancer free.

I want to be transparent as I can be and if anyone has any other suggestions I am up for any information given.

Thank you all for your time, prayers, and help in advance. It truly means a lot and I promise this will be passed along to others. I am a true advocate of Breast Cancer Awareness and I document my story as it unfolds so others know they're not alone. This battle is the most difficult thing I have ever had to face. I keep a smile on my face and a positive attitude so I can be here for my family.

My most sincere gratitude!