Support Barbra's Battle Against Breast Cancer

Hi my name is Barbra,

The last 5 years have been a constant battle for my family and I.

5 years ago I was driving home and started having a STEMI heart attack. Being an EMT at the time, I recognized the signs and was able to call for an ambulance. My husband was alerted and met the ambulance on scene before I was raced to Southern Maryland Hospital. Upon arriving at the hospital, I was rushed into surgery where a 2" stent was placed in my right coronary artery saving my life.

The following year, I arrived home from my daughters softball game and was getting ready for bed. My husband went to give me a kiss and I realized I couldn't pucker my lips. We both realized I was showing classic signs of a stroke. My husband rushed me to Hughesville Rescue Squad where at the time we were members of, and they transported me by ambulance to UMCRMC. I immediately got a CT Scan and it was confirmed that I was actively having a stroke. Luckily, I made the "golden hour" and received the tPA medication, regaining full function of my body.

2 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with narcolepsy and it's been a constant battle. It's taken so much from me including my ability to work, drive, being an EMT, and being a drug & alcohol addictions counselor & hypnotherapist.

At the end of April this year, I was on a mini vacation with my husband to Key West Florida. During our stay in the St Augustine, FL area, I started feeling sick. My husband took me to the ER and they told me I was fine and sent me home. The next day my symptoms got worse and I thought I was having a second stroke. I was taken by ambulance to the stroke center where the doctors discovered I wasn't having a stroke but instead was in DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) and my kidneys were failing. They did numerous MRI's and CT Scans, and although they were able to get me out of DKA they saw a slight tumor in my left lymph nodes. At the time, there was no indication of any critical issues and I was advised to get it checked out upon arriving back to Maryland.

Fast forward coming home to MD, I went on June 4th and got a diagnostic mammogram and ultrasound done at Southern Maryland Radiology Center, followed by numerous biopsies on June 14th. Tuesday June 18, 2024 the test results came back and I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer. This was news my family and I weren't expecting to receive, and are asking for as many prayers, love and positive vibes possible to be sent our way! With this diagnosis comes a lot of medical bills, medications, chemo, surgeries and doctors visits. We are asking for any help you can offer during this fight my family and I are taking on! Whether that's a prayer, donation, or even a share of this page.

We appreciate all the prayers, support and help!