Our dear friend, Casey Cortes, is facing an unimaginable season of loss and hardship, and she needs our help.

On January 19th, Casey lost her beloved grandmother, Joan Cooper. The very next day, January 20th, while still grieving this profound loss, Casey underwent surgery; a full hysterectomy due to a tumor on her ovary.

During surgery, doctors removed the ovarian tumor they had just found about a month prior and discovered an additional tumor on the outside of her colon. These findings indicate that the ovarian cancer Casey was diagnosed with has spread. At this time, the full path forward remains uncertain as we await further test results. However, doctors have determined that Casey must begin chemotherapy immediately.

A cancer diagnosis is never easy.

Casey is proudly serving her country with over 20 years in the New Jersey Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Sergeant. She is the Health Services Non-Commissioned Officer for the New Jersey Army National Guard. In this role, Casey spent over 11 years advocating for service members across New Jersey—helping them navigate illnesses, injuries, line-of-duty approvals, and the resources they needed for their futures.

Time and time again, Casey put others first. She made sure soldiers were taken care of, even when it meant putting herself last.

At this time, we are asking for donations to help assist with medical costs that will come from her chemo treatments.

Casey is a single mother, navigating all of this while continuing to be a source of strength for her teenage son Ryan.

Casey is the kind of person who would give you the shirt off her back without hesitation. She is a soldier, a mother, a friend, and someone who has spent her life caring for others. Now, it’s our turn to take care of her.

Funds raised through this GoFundMe will help ease the financial burden of medical expenses, treatment costs and everyday living expenses—so Casey can focus on what matters most: healing and being present for her family.

Please consider donating, sharing, and keeping Casey in your thoughts and prayers. Any amount helps and is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for supporting Casey as she fights this fight.