I begin this GoFundMe with an expression of deep gratitude. As some of you may know, as I'm not one to shy away from vulnerability, I was informed I have stage 4 leiomyosarcoma, which is a rare, hard-to-treat cancer, while awakening from anesthesia following a major exploratory abdominal surgery in November of 2023. “Fun” fact: Sarcomas account for less than 1% of all cancers, and leiomyosarcoma is one of 80+ types of this rare cancer. In that surgery in 2023, they removed an ovary, my appendix, and a large bread loaf-sized tumor, which biopsied post-surgery to be cancer. To say this diagnosis flipped my life upside down is an understatement.

Following this life-altering diagnosis and surgery, all while barely mobile due to a catheter in place and recovery pains, my partner Brian and I made the decision to pursue IVF with hope of embryo creation 3 weeks post-surgery. At 41, I had not closed the maternal door. Countless daily injections for someone who truly hates needles on top of being in the early stages of healing from that major surgery was exhausting and challenging. Sadly, the IVF cycle was unsuccessful, and so we shifted our focus to my treatment options.

From January 2024 to October 2024, I completed 29 chemotherapy IV infusions. Given disease stability throughout that year, I was eligible for a second surgery in December 2024, where more tumors, part of my bladder, part of my colon, and part of my large intestines were removed. In addition to the exceptional sarcoma oncology team through Memorial Sloan Kettering, I have also been working with an amazing naturopathic cancer team virtually from Canada to embrace holistic approaches to strengthen my body. I was on a chemo break from October 2024, with hopes per my surgeon of this break being at least a year or two; however, scans 2 weeks ago showed the cancer returned and spread to my lungs. I have resumed chemotherapy as of April 24, 2025, and at the recommendation of Flourish After Cancer, the naturopathic team I am working with, I intend to begin mistletoe injections in the next month or so. Mistletoe is a standalone therapy as well as a complementary treatment to traditional cancer therapies for 80% of people battling cancer in Europe but is mostly unheard of in the United States. The research is promising as it has passed Phase 1 clinical trials at John Hopkins, though funding has precluded movement to later phases. It is a treatment that has been shown to mitigate chemotherapy side effects, improve the immune system and quality of life, improve energy, reduce pain, and possibly even target cancer stem cells from forming. If you have read this far, now is where your support comes in.

I have never wanted to ask for financial assistance, relying to this point on myself and the help of my immediate family and Brian. Aside from temporary leaves for surgery, I have been working full-time as a therapist treating women with severe mental illness, trauma, suicidality, self-harm and addiction issues. Despite working, medical bills continue to roll in, payment plans are already set up in multiple places and the growing financial cost is beginning to feel unmanageable and very stressful. I am doing my very best to balance the regular costs of existing as a human and dog mama with the expenses that come with cancer care. The naturopathic team is completely out of pocket. The mistletoe injections they are recommending are anticipated to cost upwards of $20k for a year of treatment as they are not covered by insurance and is a treatment that could be ongoing for years, if effective for me. I am a helper by nature in my personal life and profession as a therapist, so it is hard to ask for and accept help but here I am. Over this past 2 years, I have researched and learned and cried and made huge changes and screamed and danced and meditated and got certified in sound healing and learned how to better advocate for myself. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting me so i have the best chance to keep giving, thriving, and living in spite of this rare cancer battle. If you’re unable to contribute monetarily, please consider sharing and reposting. The light in me sees and appreciates the light in all of you!

If you want to see my testimonial video, which is about 10 minutes, with Dr. Megan Bernard of Flourish After Cancer, click Testimonials and scroll down to find me https://flourishaftercancer.com/testimonials

Should you be interested in giving beyond just me, please consider one of these amazing organizations that have been integral in my treatment and mental wellness over the past year.

Leiomyosarcoma Foundation -https://www.lmsdr.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm5Lhldr6jAMVOFVHAR2AUCH9EAAYASAAEgLwEPD_BwE

Mary's Place By the Sea- Donate now to support our home and women with cancer- https://www.marysplacebythesea.org/make-an-impact/donate-now/

Memorial Sloan Kettering - Donate to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center - MSK Giving https://giving.mskcc.org/rare-cancer