My sister, Brooklyn, was diagnosed with primary cervical Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in late December. After a routine Pap smear in May, some abnormal cells were found, leading to a biopsy of the cervix in June. The results of this biopsy were abnormal but non-cancerous, and the doctors wanted to repeat a biopsy 6 months later. Come December 2024, the results of the second biopsy came back as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Lymphoma typically originates in the lymph nodes; however, it can rarely originate in other areas of the body. Thankfully, a PET scan revealed that there was no cancer anywhere else in her body. Uterine cervix lymphomas of this type are extremely rare (0.5–1.5%), so Brooklyn and our parents, Shannon and Paula, traveled to Mayo Clinic in Rochester in early January to develop a specialized plan for this rare situation.

After many tests and appointments, a plan to complete 6 rounds of Pola-R-CHP (polatuzumab vedotin, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and prednisone) chemotherapy along with 3 rounds of intrathecal methotrexate was made. Brooklyn will start chemotherapy in February in Bismarck and will have to travel to Mayo Clinic frequently for check-ups and continual care during and after her treatments. This treatment can cause some fertility issues, so Brooklyn will be undergoing egg retrieval and preservation as well prior to starting chemotherapy. Brooklyn is currently attending Bismarck State College for agribusiness and plans to finish out her 12-week semester during this time. Unfortunately, Brooklyn will likely be unable to work much during her treatments due to side effects and other risks.

We are asking for your donations to assist her in paying for living expenses as well as the medical bills that this journey will entail. I will be providing updates through this GoFundMe throughout her journey. We thank you for your support for Brooklyn during this time.