Our dear friend has been battling breast cancer on and off since 2014. She became metastatic (stage 4) in the spring of 2022. She has always been positive, strong, and determined to keep pushing forward. However, this fight has been incredibly hard and has left her immune system severely compromised.

She also travels to MD Anderson in Houston to receive the best possible care to extend her time with us. Her medication initially left nearly no evidence of active disease, until this spring. Unfortunately, she experienced progression to a bone. She underwent radiation and, by May 2024, had returned to having no evidence of disease.

In October, she began experiencing pain, and by November, the cancer had spread from one rib to multiple lesions in her ribs, spine (in multiple areas), pelvis, sacrum, and even the exterior bone of her skull. She consulted with MD Anderson and was given a new treatment protocol.

Her radiation doctor recommended that an implant be removed before proceeding with radiation in the rib area due to prior damage involving the implant. She underwent surgery on November 22, but unfortunately developed MRSA and was hospitalized for five days. This delayed the start of her new medication and radiation treatment. During this time, the bone progression and tumors became very aggressive.

On December 21, she was informed that she needed major spine surgery due to compression of the spinal cord. Without immediate surgery, she would have been paralyzed from the waist down. Surgeons placed rods and screws from T10 to L2 in her spine to stabilize it.

Cancer is incredibly expensive. Traveling to MD Anderson for the best care, along with numerous doctor appointments, has led to significant financial strain, especially with new co-pays starting over at the beginning of the year. Her recovery will be long and challenging, so we hope to raise funds to help alleviate her financial stress. This will allow her to focus on recovery, starting her new medication, and undergoing radiation treatment.

Thank you so much for your support!