Update: July 2026

First, I want to thank everyone for the incredible love, prayers, encouragement, donations, and shares. Your support has carried me through one of the most difficult seasons of my life, and I am deeply grateful. I am applying for some grants from various non profits but these take a lot of time to hear back from.

I’m thankful to say that my double mastectomy with reconstruction on June 22, 2026 went well. Unfortunately, after further testing, I received more difficult news.

Of the three lymph nodes that were removed during surgery, one tested positive for cancer. In addition, the tissue margins were not as clear as my breast surgeon would like, which means I may need another surgery to ensure all of the cancer has been removed.

My reconstructive surgeon also has concerns about my healing. The bottom of my right breast has developed bubbling, and the bottom of my left breast is draining, which may require additional procedures or surgical intervention. While I’m grateful the initial surgery is behind me, this latest news means my journey is far from over.

I’ve also been told that I will need radiation therapy and, more than likely, chemotherapy as part of my treatment plan.

I’m taking everything one day at a time, but this setback has been incredibly difficult. The possibility of more surgery, ongoing appointments, treatments, recovery time, additional time away from work, and mounting medical expenses has brought even more uncertainty than I originally expected.

If you’re able to continue sharing my fundraiser, making a donation, or simply keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, it would mean the world to me. Every act of kindness helps lift a little of the weight I’m carrying, and I will never be able to fully express how much your support means.

For those who may not know my story, I was diagnosed in February 2026 with moderately differentiated invasive ductal carcinoma, now classified as Grade 3, along with a small component of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Hearing the words, "You have cancer," is something no one is ever truly prepared for. Because breast cancer runs on my mother's side of the family, I made the incredibly difficult decision to undergo a double mastectomy with reconstruction. It was never a choice I imagined making, but I’m doing everything I can to give myself the best chance at a long and healthy future.

Ironically, my cancer was discovered because of something positive. Since February of last year, I have been on a health journey and have lost 70 pounds. My doctors explained that the weight loss allowed the tumor, which had been buried deep within my breast tissue, to become detectable. Had I not lost the weight, the cancer may have continued to grow unnoticed and could have spread before it was found. While I never wanted this diagnosis, I truly believe that my weight loss helped save my life by allowing the cancer to be caught when it was.

This journey has been overwhelming physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. I work both a full-time job and a part-time job. During my recovery and treatment, I will be unable to work my part-time job and will do my best to continue working my full-time job as my health allows. Meanwhile, medical bills continue to grow with co-pays, imaging, tests, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and upcoming treatments. Everyday expenses like health insurance, car insurance, student loans, gas, groceries, and other household bills continue regardless of my diagnosis.

Asking for help has never come easily to me, but right now, I truly need it. If you're able to donate, share my fundraiser, or simply keep me in your prayers, I would be forever grateful. Every contribution—no matter the size—and every share helps ease the financial burden and allows me to focus on what matters most: healing and fighting this disease.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for standing beside me. Your kindness, generosity, prayers, and encouragement remind me every day that I am not fighting this battle alone.