Support Autumn's Battle Against Breast Cancer

As Autumn's Army, it was imperative to find our way back on this platform yet again. When ever we are writing a GoFundMe, it's usually because our normal skillset to help, has been rendered useless. Asking people to extend themselves to help someone they've never met is a lot to ask; but we would like to introduce you to this incredible, altruistic and resilient, single Mama.

Autumn, is the most dedicated Mother, providing magic and love in her home. Creating core memories for her boys and herself, whether its a balloon archway to greet the first day of school in a new year or building a Hogwarts themed porch to entertain the neighbor kids, with owls, and floating candles, all run by wand power! Or the custom sugar cookies for a well achieved goal or an aced Spelling bee. Autumn is the glue that holds these little fellas together.

Autumn, in true nature, is the Director of two different transitional housing programs, one is for young families that have found themselves experiencing homelessness. The second is for youth who have aged out of the States Foster Care system. These programs are designed to create permanent and positive change in the lives of these children, families and our youths. Autumn, runs a small but extremely connected Team of Social Workers that she pours her heart and soul into. From coordinating awesome client events and Team gatherings, to gently demanding, a healthy work life balance for her staff. In addition to her full time position, she works nights and weekends to keep all the bills paid, while she shares her time with her boys. Autumn is the epitome of provider, creating a life for her young family and truly the incarnation of humanity within her community.

In the last three weeks Autumn has experienced some life altering news. After finding a small lump in her breast and addressing it through mammography and biopsy it has been determined that she is in fact battling a metastatic intraductal breast cancer. After the diagnostic testing was done it was determined that the cancer has spread into her lymph nodes. The tumor in her breast is a Grade 2, which is defined as moderately aggressive. She will require 18 weeks of chemotherapy, then surgery (Lumpectomy or Mastectomy) followed by additional radiation therapy. This extensive and intensive treatment plan will be her families story for the next two years. The emotional rollercoaster of anxiety and planning has been absolutely devastating to watch.

Though we work for an incredible organization, the seismic pressure that is building between finances, care for her kids and dog, maintaining her position, making sure her rent is paid. To the travel costs to and from Dana Farber for 18 weeks at a time, as well as the days following her chemotherapy infusions and the space to rest and recover.

Just before learning of her diagnosis she had found herself in a budding new relationship, a healthy, loving relationship just beautifully taking flight, only to be delayed and grounded by her frightening diagnosis.

With the building intensity and pressures of her looming journey, I tried to find a way to quantify not just the financial, but the emotional cost to this incredible woman and her sweet boys. I would ask you to find your generosity and empathy...how would you help one of your own? Maybe you too, have been touched by the pain of cancer. Autumn, works tirelessly to build up the most vulnerable in our community. We beg of you, to help us build her up now.