This is my mom, Kristina, and she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 51. Following numerous scans and denied insurance requests, she finally received her diagnosis which is a mixture of 3 types of breast cancer (ER+, PR+, HER- breast cancer metastatic to the left axillary lymph node). The umbrella term is invasive ductile carcinoma. It has been a difficult period, and she has been ordered 4 months of chemotherapy.

Kristina is a dedicated 27 year special education veteran teacher currently teaching middle school. She is the teacher who brightens the lives of her students and colleagues. Unfortunately, due to her illness, she has been absent from work since April and will be through the beginning of the next school year. As many are aware, teachers do not earn the big bucks to begin with, so this period of medical appointments and hospital bills has brought about significant stress.

Our family consists of 5 people, with one in college and one in elementary school. Not long ago, my father also lost his job and had to accept a substantial pay cut. While we have always somewhat been financially constrained, the added pressure from this recent development has become more prevalent.

Although we do not expect donations, any contribution would greatly benefit my mother and our family. All funds received will be allocated towards her medical expenses and any necessities that may facilitate her treatment. While money cannot cure her, it can certainly alleviate some of the burdens we are facing.