Dear Friends,

Three years ago, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. The doctors told me it was slow growing and non-aggressive. They recommended I have surgery to remove the tumor, biopsy some lymph nodes, and keep an eye on it. So that is what I did. This past August, I found out that the same cancer is back. A tumor grew again very close to the original site. This time, I decided to take my treatment elsewhere as I live in a very small town with limited resources. I’ve been lucky to find amazing doctors at UCSF in San Francisco. I’ve also been connected with a new, specialized type of radiation treatment called Proton Beam Radiation and for that I’ll be traveling to San Diego in January.

On Wednesday Nov. 27, I will be having surgery to remove this new tumor and potentially more lymph nodes depending on what they see in there. I will be taking medical leave from my job as a Marriage and Family Therapist. While I love the work that I do, it is mentally and emotionally demanding. I need time to recover physically and more importantly, I need time to recover emotionally before returning to work.

I’m extremely optimistic about my treatment and feel totally supported by my community of friends and family. I’m very lucky to be able to say that. Here is the part where I ask for help: cancer is freaking expensive! Even with the very good insurance that I do have, the bills are high and keep coming in. Since I am pursuing certain treatments that fall outside the scope of “standard medical practice”, insurance won’t pay for everything I deem to be medically necessary. Lastly, my time away from work is going to be another financial hit. Unfortunately, short term disability only pays a small fraction of my income.

I have started this GoFundMe in hopes that I can receive some financial support to get me through this time. All the money donated will be used to support my treatment and recovery process. Anything helps and I truly, deeply appreciate whatever anyone can offer. Help comes in many forms so if you aren’t able to donate, simply hearing from you would be a boost to my soul.

Finally, I want you all to know not to fear. Cancer is an incredible teacher and I have deep gratitude and reverence for this episode of life. There is a lot to feel, no doubt, and I’m learning to feel it all. What I’m being shown in the process is that the more willing I am to feel it *all*, the freer and happier I become. Love only multiplies as I learn to fall through the fear & heartache and Surrender to what Is.

With Great Love,

Caitlin