In Memory of Carley

“Help Carley in her Fight Against Cancer”

Hi. I’m Tara. Carley is one of my closest friends. I, Carley’s kids, her husband, and so many people that know and love her are here because we are trying to help raise money for Carley James-Heinisch, who has been diagnosed with incurable stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that has now advanced to brain cancer. Mainstream medicine has saved Carley’s life so far, but she would like to keep going and explore other medical options to not only help herself but to help others with the hope that one day, there WILL be a cure.

Those who know Carley can attest to her incredible spirit. She is the kind of person who volunteers at local shelters, loves all animals, always lends a hand to anyone who needs it, and brightens everyone’s day. She also has been known to "pop out around a corner to scare the heck out of you to make you laugh." She is a warrior and to say we admire her would be an understatement.

This is Carley’s Journey, from Carley:

First, thank you... thank you for listening.

I was diagnosed in July 2014 with Stage II breast cancer, which was found in 3 lymph nodes located in my right breast. I did a complete double mastectomy following this diagnosis with the thought process that I wanted to eradicate it all and live. I then went down all the traditional medical avenues for breast cancer treatment. I followed everything to the “T”. Then in February of 2021, the breast cancer came back, again in the right breast with three lumps. Now I was at Stage I breast cancer. Although it did reappear, I went down a stage, so I thought this was good news and I could get past this. They did a lumpectomy and radiation, and I followed all protocols, again, to the “T”. Now, fast forward to March 2024, I was on a regular doctor visit and learned that my tumor markers were up. I had another PET scan which showed lesions in my lungs and spine. I was then told I have stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. This is now my third time. I immediately started advanced chemo medications and all protocols once again, but this time with additional urgency. I had pain. I had pain in my back, spine, and neck. We then did another PET scan, which revealed that now it is in my liver. I then went on EnHERtu chemo infusions. While I was doing this, I started to get headaches and thought this was from the chemo. This alarmed my doctor, who then ordered an MRI of my brain, which showed lesions on my brain. And here we are... I have over 20 lesions on my brain. Despite the pain and uncertainty, I want to inspire everyone to fight to live and not to give up.

Hi, I’m Leah, Carley’s oldest daughter. Ever since I was little, my mom has been my biggest supporter. She showed that by coming to all my games when I played sports, to then being at every single one of my color guard shows all throughout high school. I’ve moved to a lot of places and have made many different decisions, and she has supported me throughout all of them, even if it meant moving to a different state and not being around all the time. Not only has she been a wonderful mother to my siblings and me, but to all of our friends as well. Always going out of her way to make sure they felt loved and supported as if they were her own. My mother is one of the strongest women I know. When she first received the news of having breast cancer in 2014, she did not let it shrink her down; she just stood even taller. Even on her worst days, she showed up for us and made sure we were taken care of. Not only did she kick cancer's ass that first time, she had the most unbelievable strength to do it AGAIN while grieving her father at the same time. Carley James-Heinisch (my mom) has inspired so many people and is so loved. I am the luckiest daughter on this planet and so beyond blessed to have her as my mom.

The financial burden of treatment is overwhelming. Carley has been facing expenses privately, such as chemotherapy, medications, radiation, and all supportive care and therapies.

As Carley focuses on her fight against cancer, it is crucial that we come together to help reduce this financial strain on her and her family. She is very fortunate to have an amazing husband, kids, and friends who support her and love her.

Any amount, there is nothing too small to donate, can make a significant difference on her journey. Your support will help cover these essential costs and allow her to focus on healing and fighting to win this battle.

If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this with others that you know as they might be able to. Spreading the word will help not only Carley but others as well so that they can learn more from this horrible disease.

Thank you, from the absolute bottom of our hearts, for taking the time to read Carley’s story. Your kindness and support mean the world to Carley and all those that love her.