My name is Debbie, and I have had the privilege of working alongside Brian for more than three years. During that time, I have witnessed firsthand the compassion, dedication, and care he brings to his work as a psychotherapist. Brian spends his days helping people through some of the most painful moments of their lives, always approaching them with kindness and the belief that no one should struggle alone. Now, Brian and his family are facing an incredibly difficult chapter of their own. Brian’s wife, Liz, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy on July 9. The family entered surgery believing that, while her recovery and reconstruction would be difficult, chemotherapy and radiation would likely not be necessary. Unfortunately, the pathology results showed cancer in one of the three lymph nodes that were removed.

What they hoped would be a difficult but relatively contained recovery has now become a longer and more uncertain journey involving further testing, appointments, treatment decisions, and the possibility of chemotherapy, radiation, or both. Anyone who knows Liz knows what a genuinely kind, generous, and loving person she is. She is a devoted wife and mother who continues to face this experience with remarkable courage. Brian has remained beside her while also caring for their family and trying to preserve stability for their children, Ainsley, Jude, and Arlo. Brian owns a small private psychotherapy practice and is only paid when he is able to work with clients. He has no paid family leave or paid time off. Every day spent caring for Liz, accompanying her to appointments, arranging childcare, and managing their home is a day without income. Thankfully, the family has excellent health insurance, so medical bills are not their primary concern. Their immediate challenge is keeping up with the expenses that continue regardless of illness: their mortgage, household bills, childcare, groceries, utilities, vehicle expenses, and the unexpected costs that arise during prolonged cancer treatment and recovery.

Brian and Liz are much more accustomed to helping others than asking for help themselves. I created this fundraiser so their community can offer them some of the care they have given so freely to so many people. Every donation will help Brian remain beside Liz while keeping their household stable. If you cannot contribute, sharing this fundraiser would also mean a great deal. Brian has spent his career reminding people that they do not have to face their hardest moments alone. I hope we can now remind Brian and Liz of the same thing. Thank you for supporting this wonderful family.