My older sister lives in Texas. She was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer this spring and is in the midst of a “double barrel" chemo and immunotherapy regime. It’s intense, and she's a trooper. She has been a teacher her whole adult life, first pre-K with an ESL specialty, then a math specialist for 2nd graders, and now she works inside of the prisons helping folks who are incarcerated graduate from high school. She’s awesome. And, the state of Texas has no benefits for her as she navigates this. She’s on unpaid medical leave for 9 months. Her husband, a long time mechanic who hurt his back through years of lifting out engines, is on disability. They have emptied their savings to live and get through her cancer.

This is the reality for so many families in our country. I’m so mad about that (and so many other things politically), and I am spending my energy loving my sister and supporting her healing and living through this diagnosis.

We are raising funds to pay her monthly expenses through the rest of chemo, a mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery. She wants to be back at work as soon as she can. It’s hard for her to let us do this, but she is.

For any of you who can afford to contribute to this fund, thank you. We appreciate you and the support. Your good wishes, prayers, and candles lit at your altars are also very welcome.

With love, Staci and Wendy.