If you have ever met Diana Watkins, you know she is the kind of person who makes an immediate impact. Her warmth, compassion, and infectious laugh fill every room she enters. Diana has always been someone who shows up for others — whether through her work, her friendships, or her involvement in the community.

Now, she needs our help.

In January 2022, Diana was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive adenosquamous carcinoma of the cervix, which had already spread to her lymph nodes. She faced the diagnosis with incredible determination, undergoing six weeks of daily radiation alongside weekly chemotherapy treatments, followed by five internal radiation procedures.

Throughout treatment, Diana continued working whenever she could. As a commission-based construction salesperson, every day she could not work meant lost income. Despite pushing through treatment and only taking time off when absolutely necessary, her sales understandably dropped and she ultimately lost her position during that time.

Even after completing treatment, it took six months for her energy to return. Diana worked hard to rebuild her strength and a new career with Patriot Roofing.

Then earlier this year, Diana received heartbreaking news — her cancer has returned.

Doctors discovered a 5 cm mass near her belly button, and scans confirmed that the cancer has metastasized to her lymph nodes and bones. She is now preparing for another difficult fight.

Diana’s treatment plan includes six rounds of chemotherapy using carboplatin and Taxol every three weeks, with scans after the third round to evaluate progress. She will also begin two long-term maintenance medications that require infusion treatments every six weeks for the next two years. In early March, she had a subcutaneous infusion port placed, which will remain for at least three years to support her ongoing treatments.

During Diana’s first cancer battle in 2022, her husband Tom had full-time employment with excellent benefits. Today, Tom is retired and working part-time without benefits, and Diana’s current insurance through a small family-owned business comes with high deductibles and significant out-of-pocket costs.

Diana is also the primary breadwinner in their household. Because her income depends entirely on commission from construction sales, the physical demands of treatment will make it extremely difficult for her to maintain the level of work needed to support their family.

Those who know Diana know that she has always been someone who gives back. She has been actively involved with Cape Fear Professional Women in Building and the North Carolina Professional Women in Building Council, mentoring others and supporting her industry. She is also the kind of friend and coworker who quietly steps in to help when someone else is struggling.

Simply put, to know Diana is to love her.

Now we have the opportunity to support someone who has spent so much of her life supporting others.

Your donation will help Diana and Tom with medical expenses, treatment costs, travel to appointments, and everyday living expenses while she focuses on what matters most — fighting cancer and healing.

No donation is too small, and every act of kindness helps lighten the burden during this incredibly difficult time.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping Diana and her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Thank you for helping surround Diana with the same love and support she has always given to others.