We are writing today to seek support for our dear friend, Darcy, as she navigates a recent diagnosis of breast cancer. Early this year, Darcy sought medical care for a lump that had quickly grown noticeably larger. Following a biopsy, it was confirmed to be aggressive breast cancer, specifically two types: Invasive Lobular Carcinoma and High-Grade Invasive Carcinoma. The latter is Triple Negative Breast Cancer, an especially aggressive form that requires an immediate and intensive treatment protocol.

If you have the pleasure of knowing her, you know Darcy has helped build community through the art world and beyond for years! Known as Hai Fleisch in our niche world of burlesque, she is also a costumer, event planner, fabric artist, dreamer and schemer. Darcy is so supportive of her friends and loved ones and we want to be able to give back to her. To know her is to love her and we are hoping to share in this effort together.

Darcy is facing a long and challenging journey over the coming months, which includes:

• 6 Months of Chemotherapy: 12 weeks of intensive weekly treatments, followed by treatments every three weeks.

• Surgery: Likely a double mastectomy.

• Radiation: Likely to follow surgery to further reduce her chance of remission to 3% or less.

Our priority is to ensure Darcy is fully supported and cared for during this first six-month phase of her treatment. To cover her basic living costs and necessities, we have set an initial milestone of $16,000. These funds will go directly toward:

• Rent, utilities and bills

• Groceries and medical supplies

• Daily essentials while she focuses on healing

As Darcy moves through her treatment, we may adjust this goal to reflect her needs, but for now we want to give her the peace of mind that her housing and basic needs are secure. She will be navigating a year of procedures and we want to make sure as much that can be taken care of now can be set up for this health journey.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this page with your community. Please also look out for a benefit show in the works and a meal train we will be setting up for Darcy’s first few weeks/months starting chemo.

Thank you for reading and interacting with our fundraiser. We will keep you updated on her progress as she navigates this journey.