When the oncology nurse becomes the oncology patient... As you may or may not know, our dear Annie J. (my little sister) has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Luckily, it was caught early with a routine mammogram and the spread was minimal. (A reminder for all people with breasts to get regular mammograms!) She has undergone 4 of 6 rounds of intensive chemo, and in true Annie style, is handling it all like a rockstar. However, the recovery after each infusion is getting rougher and rougher, and she is feeling depleted.

As if having cancer and undergoing aggressive treatment isn't enough, she recently had to return to her job as a Kaiser oncology nurse or risk losing health insurance for herself and her whole family. She is often too sick or fatigued to manage a full shift or go in at all.

Anyone who knows Annie also knows that she is used to being the one who goes above and beyond for anyone else: strangers, patients, co-workers, friends, or family. It is exceedingly difficult for her to ask for or receive help for herself. After she finishes 2 more rounds of chemo, she will be having surgery at the end of April, and her immunotherapy infusions will continue for many more months after that.

The emotional stress that Annie and her family are experiencing is compounded by financial stress. This is where I am hoping we can all come together and support them by relieving some financial burden so that they are free to focus on health and healing. All donations will go toward mortgage payments, utilities, groceries etc. Let me know if you would rather donate outside of GoFundMe. Every dollar helps! Words of support and encouragement are priceless and also needed. Thank you!