Since our first date back in 2022, everything about our relationship was on the fast track. From moving in together to getting married, each milestone came quicker than the last. We just never imagined that cancer would arrive so quickly, too.

Our lives were forever altered in an instant when my husband was diagnosed with Burkitt's Lymphoma on April 23rd—just two days before our one-year wedding anniversary and a week before he was supposed to start his new job. The diagnosis came out of nowhere. We thought he was just having a tonsillectomy for acute tonsillitis, but instead, we found ourselves facing a diagnosis we never could have imagined.

He still has his job, but because he’s so new and still under his probationary period, his employer can only offer unpaid leave for the next four months while he undergoes treatment. We have applied for our state's version of paid FMLA, but he doesn't qualify for another few months. This means we’re facing a sudden and difficult gap in our household income, right when we need stability the most. We’re doing everything we can to stay strong and focused on his recovery, but the stress of covering our bills and everyday expenses is overwhelming.

We only just moved to this new state last year and don’t have a big circle of friends, so I’m reaching out to anyone who will care. We never thought we would have to resort to something like this, but if you’re able to help, or even just share our story, it would mean the world to us. Thank you for reading and for any kindness you can offer during this challenging time