Support Diane's Battle Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Dear Friends and Family,

Our maternal side of the family carries the BRCA1 genetic mutation, making my five siblings and I more prone to breast and ovarian cancer for the females, and breast and prostate cancer for the males. The word “cancer” has been heard far too many times in our family, taking loved ones before their time and rearing its ugly head among immediate family members. We're basically cancer magnets, but not by choice!

On February 1st, my little sister, Diane, aka Nellie, perhaps the most fit and healthy of us six kids, was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, probably the worst type of breast cancer there is. Diane started chemo on February 12th and just recently rang the bell on July 8th, completing 24 weeks of chemo and immunotherapy (including the dreaded "Red Devil"). During this time, I saw my sister run races, swim laps, attend her children’s soccer games and music festivals, throw amazing birthday parties, take her kids roller skating, and even develop a new talent in pottery! I am beyond amazed at my sister’s resilience and cannot help but think that our dear mother Judy has had her arms snugly around her this whole time.

The next step for my sister is surgery on August 9th, which will be here before we know it. Unfortunately, her insurance will only cover the diseased breast in terms of mastectomy and reconstruction, despite her high risk of recurrence. Diane is getting a bilateral mastectomy followed by reconstruction.

If you can help in any way to support the mastectomy and reconstruction for Diane’s second breast, she, her family, and our whole family would be so grateful. It is anticipated that the out-of-pocket costs could be anywhere between $15k to $25k, which is why we have set the goal where it is. I know that anything over and above will be used to support their family during the lengthy recovery. And you can be assured that if there is anything they do not need, it will be thoughtfully paid forward.

Let’s come together in a community of love and support and help relieve some of the burden for Diane. We love you, my little sister; you are a true badass!