Support Breast Cancer Fight: Community, Courage, & Hope

Learning to Receive: A Journey Through Breast Cancer Treatment

Dear friends, family, and community,

Life has a way of teaching us exactly what we need to learn, even if the lesson comes in unexpected packages. As a podcast launch strategist and business mentor who has dedicated the last three years to working 12-14 hour days helping other women achieve their dreams, I now face my own unexpected challenge: breast cancer.

This diagnosis arrives just nine months into my marriage to the love of my life. While fighting cancer wasn't in our first-year marriage plans, there's no one else I'd rather have beside me as we face this dragon together. Having lost my mother to metastatic melanoma in 2009 after she fought both breast cancer and melanoma, I understand deeply both the gravity and hope in this situation. Medical advances have come so far, and I know that while breast cancer treatment is disruptive, it isn't a death sentence.

Why I'm Asking for Help

I've always been the person who figures things out independently. In 2021, when faced with possible metastatic brain cancer (thankfully ruled out after months of testing), I shouldered $5,000 in medical expenses while managing a home move and recovering from pandemic-related business challenges – all without asking for help. But this experience is teaching me something profound: sometimes the bravest thing we can do is open ourselves to receive.

The Financial Reality

My treatment journey will span 4-6 months, at this stage I’ve already had a week with ten hours of medical appointments. The upcoming most intense period will be with a surgery that involves 5 days in the hospital and a minimum three-week complete work stoppage. As a solopreneur, this presents significant challenges.

Here's how the funds will be used:

• Medical Expenses: $5,500-$6,500 (our portion after insurance, including what insurance decides not to cover such as the genetic testing for BRCA, etc.)

• Basic Living Expenses & Business Continuity: $10,000 (to maintain household expenses during reduced work capacity- this is the least we can get by with over the 3-4 months and it's only able to be this low if I get the $4000 I'm hoping for from the state of Oregon)

Minimum Needed: $15,500

(Fortunately we've had one small community fundraiser and friends have already started contributing - so we've already received some funds that bring this number down.)

Stretch Goal: Quality of Life During Recovery ($4,500)

If we meet our initial goal, we'll add a stretch goal to support:

• Bi-weekly house cleaning services during recovery ($1,800)

• Occasional prepared meals to ease daily stress ($2,400)

• Art supplies for therapeutic creative activities ($300)

(For those who prefer direct support: gift cards to local restaurants, Michaels, or Amazon for art supplies are also deeply appreciated.)

A Lesson in Receiving

At a recent retreat, before testing confirmed my diagnosis, I took part in a discussion about receiving. Someone suggested looking at how naturally our pets receive love and care – without shame or hesitation. This resonated deeply with me. We've all been conditioned to do everything on our own, as if there's something wrong with accepting help. But perhaps there's profound beauty in allowing others to support us.

By sharing this journey with you, I hope to demonstrate that receiving help isn't just about getting through a difficult time – it's about allowing ourselves to be part of a community where we lift each other up. Your support, whether financial or spiritual, means more than I can express. It allows me to focus on healing while maintaining the business I've built to support other women in achieving their dreams.

I know times are challenging for many, but I believe in the power of community – when we each give what we can, together we create something magnificent. Every contribution, no matter the size, adds to this collective effort of support and healing.

With profound gratitude and love,

Shawna

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*Your support will help me focus on healing while maintaining the business I've built supporting other women in achieving their dreams. Thank you for being part of this journey.*

Treatment Timeline

• Mid-March/Early April 2024: Bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction

• 3-month initial recovery period going into mid-July

• Additional treatment plans to be determined following tumor analysis

• The Grit Show Podcast

Augmented schedule - New episodes monthly through September 2025 offset w/ re-releases

New subscriber segment: "Being Honest - Treatment & Breast Cancer Awareness with The Grit Show" (weekly updates starting mid-February)

• Authenticity Amplified Podcast

On hiatus until at least September 2025

• Author Express Podcast

Adjusted schedule (every other week release) – Kristi & Kathleen taking hosting responsibilities until at least September 2025

Stay Connected

• Follow weekly updates on "Being Honest" segment of The Grit Show Podcast

• Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawna.rodrigues/

• Updates on Caring Bridge - https://bit.ly/CBShawna

Know someone who might want to join our circle of warriors? Please share this campaign with:

• Anyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer

• Fellow entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of running a business through health challenges

• Community members who believe in the supporting women in business

• Anyone who wants to be part of a story of hope, resilience, and community

**Sharing this on social media is very valuable!