Support Kelley Burtons Fight Against Ovarian Cancer

How can you help my sister through her battle of cancer?

So many of you have asked how you can help and that means so much! Just showing up means more than you’ll ever know to her and our family. Your calls, texts, cards, meals, care packages, everything is so appreciated. We know there is power in prayer and we appreciate it. Knowing my sister and her family have such a huge support system has been so encouraging to them. Expenses add up quickly, and we don’t want her to have to worry about anything during this journey other than taking care of herself. If you know my sister, you know health and fitness are part of her lifestyle. All natural things as we know are not covered by insurance. With having faith in the doctors and modern medicine, Kelley is also trying a long list of holistic things in order to try to keep her body healthy and clean. She is trying everything! Although she has explored the holistic route, it isn’t possible to just do this with how aggressive her cancer is. She has had two major surgeries and will need chemotherapy. The doctors told Kelley that she will lose her hair from the chemotherapy. As a woman, this won’t be easy! There is a device called a cold cap that has a high success rate of keeping some of your hair, which she is planning on doing. Again, another expense not covered by insurance. There are so many expenses in this long road ahead, any little bit helps! My sister is one of the strongest women I know. She is the most incredible mother, friend and Aunt. I know with all the support she has she will beat this! She is so humble and will never ask for help, so I am asking for her. I will continue to give updates as we get them on here. Thank you for your support and the love you have already shown my sister.

With love,

Laura Stanley

A note from my sister:

First and foremost, I want to thank anyone and everyone who has taken the time to read my story. Life is wild and I hope in sharing my story I can help others and bring awareness to ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is known as the "silent killer." If you know me personally, you know I’ve always felt complete with my daughter and never really wanted more children. After Paul and I realized how amazing we are at this parenting thing and how much we love it, we decided let’s grow our family. So we did…and then I had a miscarriage 3 months later. No one really talks about miscarriages and the trauma your body goes through. When you miscarry you actually have timed contractions and deliver the baby, which I did not know until I experienced it. I begged God to not allow me to get pregnant again if the baby wouldn’t survive. I just couldn’t bear the physical, emotional pain and heart break again. My husband and I got pregnant shortly after. I woke up in the middle of the night with a stabbing pain, only this time the pain was different. I went to the ER only to find out I had an 11cm mass twisted around my left ovary. Within hours, I was having emergency surgery to remove it. The surgery was modified because of my pregnancy, despite the increased risk I now faced of losing my baby again. “You are young and healthy, I don’t think it’s cancer…” I fought, denied all pain meds in hopes to save this little new life inside me. Only to find out a few days later, I was diagnosed with a rare, high grade, aggressive cancer. We lost the baby a few days later.

I have been a firefighter/paramedic for over 14 years and work for an incredible fire department. It brought me my amazing husband and everlasting friendships. While working there I have been a part of a UM cancer study for female firefighters. This study tests for all types of cancers except ovarian. There were no signs of cancer for me, my blood work and yearly checkups have always been perfect! The oncologist told us the only way to get tested is if you’re having pain, then they will do an ultrasound. It’s crazy because you don’t think it will happen to you…until it does. I know those two angel babies saved my life so I could be on this earth a little longer. We don’t always understand God's plan or reasons but I do know that he is real, and he is working. Lastly, I know with every loss there is a gain. In my case, losing my babies saved my life. We would have never found the cancer if I had not been pregnant. I believe God's hands had a lot of help in this, and I trust his plan. My cancer journey is just beginning, and it will be a long road ahead. I have had two major surgeries and will start chemotherapy in the next few weeks. I know that I am strong and will get through this. I’m not going to lie, I am scared, but I know God is on my side and I am thankful for the strength he has given me. I have an amazing team of the top doctors and oncologists, that I am forever grateful for. I have an amazing family, friend group and my fire family behind me. I will fight my hardest! I am so thankful for the help, the prayers, and everyone who is lifting me up to the finish line.

-Kelley Burton