As many of you know, I was recently diagnosed with moderately differentiated ductal cell carcinoma (grade 2/3), along with a minor component of DCIS. Hearing the word “cancer” is something you never truly prepare for, and it has completely changed my world. Because breast cancer runs in my family on my mother’s side, I’ve made the incredibly difficult and emotional decision to undergo a double mastectomy with reconstruction. It’s not a choice I ever imagined having to make, but I’m doing everything I can to give myself the best chance at a long, healthy future.

Since February of last year, I’ve been on a health journey and have lost 70 pounds. While that meant getting healthier, it also brought the cancer to light. My doctors have told me that if I hadn’t lost the weight, the cancer could have quickly spread to other organs as it was buried deep in my breast tissue. Losing those 70 pounds brought the cancer forward in the tissue. I am so thankful that my weight loss allowed the cancer to be found early enough to give me a fighting chance. Overall, while no one wants to hear the words you have cancer, the weight loss and finding it saved my life.

This journey has already been overwhelming in so many ways—physically, emotionally, and mentally. On top of that, the financial stress has been weighing heavily on me. I work one full time job and a part-time one as well, I’ll have very little income while I recover. as I will not be able to work my part time job and will do my full time job to the best of my ability during my recovery. The medical expenses continue to grow with co-pays, tests, surgery, hospital stays, and medications. At the same time, everyday bills like car insurance, health insurance, student loans, gas, and groceries don’t stop.

It’s incredibly hard for me to ask for help, but right now I truly need it. If you are able to donate, share this, or even just keep me in your thoughts and prayers, it would mean more to me than I can put into words. Every bit of support helps lighten this burden and reminds me that I’m not facing this alone. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being here for me during one of the hardest times in my life.