Hi, for those of you that don’t know me, my name is Brooklyn. I’m 29, a wife, a mom of 2 boys under the age of 4, and I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. As of now, I have been diagnosed with Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma with axillary involvement.

Near the end of June, I chose to undergo a lumpectomy of my right breast with TAD (targeted axillary dissection) to remove my tumor and affected lymph nodes. My hope was to have the least invasive surgery with the best results. While my original cancer that was detected was removed with good margins, my pathology shows that I have pre-cancerous lesions (changes) in my affected breast and a small portion of one of my other axillary lymph nodes that was not seen with previous imaging.

Now my new reality is that I NEED a mastectomy for my affected breast. Possibly a double mastectomy depending on genetic testing and my other risk factors. I am still waiting for an upcoming appointment for a full-body PET scan.

I am SO determined to beat this and live an even fuller life with my loving husband and our kids. Logan has been mine and our family's rock this entire time. He has held me when I needed it most and advocated for me when I felt extremely overwhelmed. He has continued to provide for our family while also always being there for appointments. He is also really stepping up into the “default parent” role with the boys and is teaching them to be extra gentle and caring with me now that I am sick. He is carrying everything on his shoulders right now and I wish he didn’t have to, but he has done it with so much grace and love.

While Logan continues to work, I have had to stop working my serving shifts which brought in our “extra” money. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, I cannot work right now. I have lots of resources and am in the process of getting all of the assistance I and our family can, but my medical bills and our household bills are already starting to add up. It’s been really hard for me in my life to speak up and ask for help, but I know that right now, our family genuinely needs it.

If you have taken the time to read this far, thank you so much. I am so grateful and blessed to have such a strong support system and community around me. Any donations we receive we are extremely thankful for. If you cannot donate, please share. Thank you again everyone, from the bottom of my heart.