This past week, our family’s world changed in a way we never imagined.

My little sister, Emily, is only 27 years old. She is the loving mother of two beautiful children - a 4 year old son and a 6 month old baby girl. Just six months ago, she welcomed her daughter into the world and was navigating life as a new mom again, focused entirely on caring for her babies and building their future.

Last week, Emily went to the emergency room because of a lingering stomach virus and abdominal pain. What was expected to be a routine visit turned into something none of us were prepared for. During imaging, doctors discovered several spots on her liver. After additional scans, biopsies, and tests, Emily received devastating news: she has Stage IV colon cancer that has spread to her liver and lungs.

In just a matter of days, Emily went from being a young mother adjusting to life with a newborn to preparing for the fight of her life.

Even before this diagnosis, Emily has been navigating an incredibly difficult season of life. Like many new mothers, she has been recovering from childbirth while raising two small children. At the same time, she has been working through an ongoing custody situation as both parents focus on building the best possible future for their children. Through every challenge, Emily’s focus has never wavered. Her children have always come first.

Anyone who knows Emily knows that her babies are her entire world. Everything she does is for them.

As she prepares to begin aggressive treatment, Emily will be balancing chemotherapy, medical appointments, and the physical toll of fighting cancer while still being the mother her children depend on.

We are creating this GoFundMe to help relieve some of the financial pressure during this incredibly difficult time. The funds raised will help support medical expenses, travel to oncology appointments, childcare during treatments, and everyday living costs as Emily focuses on her health.

Just as importantly, these funds will give Emily the opportunity to spend meaningful time with her children - creating memories, being present for them, and continuing to be the mother they know and love.

Emily has always been incredibly independent. Asking for help is not something that comes easily to her. While our family will always support her without hesitation, we want her to have the ability to maintain that sense of independence and dignity during the hardest chapter of her life.

If you are able to donate, share this page, or keep Emily and her children in your thoughts and prayers, our family would be deeply grateful.

Every act of kindness helps give Emily more time, more support, and more strength as she begins this fight.

Thank you for standing with her.