Watching your mom fight for her life is something no one is ever prepared for—but that’s the reality my family is living every day.
My name is Ashley Cassel, Lisa’s daughter, and writing this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do—because it means putting into words what it’s like to watch your mom fight for her life.
My mom, Lisa Cassel, is living with stage 4 breast cancer that has spread to her lungs. Her cancer journey didn’t start recently. In 2017, she was first diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She underwent surgery and radiation, but barely six months later, in 2018, she was diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer in her right breast. That’s when the real journey began—chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and what we believed to be a successful lumpectomy followed by radiation. We truly thought she was done. We thought she was safe.
A few years later, what seemed like a fluke injury required a scan. Instead, we received devastating news—the cancer was back, and with a vengeance. It had metastasized and was officially labeled stage 4 in August 2023. Since then, she has endured more chemotherapy and immunotherapy, bringing uncomfortable and exhausting side effects that make everyday life a struggle and, at times, a chore.
As her daughter, I’ve watched her endure countless procedures—constantly poked and prodded—physical exhaustion, and the emotional toll that comes with an unknown future. I’ve seen her insecurities: losing her hair, changes to her body, and the quiet moments where fear creeps in and tears are shed. But I’ve also seen her courage—choosing to keep going, choosing hope even when answers are unclear, and choosing to help others and family in need even when she has nothing left to give.
Cancer doesn’t just affect one person—it affects the entire family. There’s the constant worry, the never-ending appointments, the side effects, and the financial strain that doesn’t stop. Even with insurance and support services, medical bills, travel expenses, treatment-related costs, and daily living needs continue to add up.
This fundraiser is meant to help ease that burden so my mom can focus on what truly matters—her health, her comfort, and her time with the people she loves as my fiancé and I begin building our future. No one should have to fight this hard and also worry about how they’re going to afford it.
Donations will go toward upcoming treatments and medications as the new year approaches and insurance starts over. With treatments ongoing, the financial burden continues to grow, and the road ahead remains uncertain.
If you’re able to donate, we are incredibly grateful. If not, sharing this fundraiser or keeping my mom in your thoughts means just as much. Thank you for supporting my mom and our family during a time when we need it now more than ever.
With love and gratitude,
Ashley