After 38 years of working in EMS, the fire department, and hospital settings, I’ve spent my life caring for others. Now, I find myself needing to focus on my own health. I live with diabetes, heart problems, scoliosis, and chronic bone and joint pain, which sometimes limits my mobility and requires me to use a cane. On top of these challenges, I’ve also been diagnosed with depression, PTSD, and anxiety from years of demanding work and personal struggles.

Recently, I received a diagnosis that changed everything: stage one right breast cancer. I’ve always kept up with my mammograms, but this time, the results were different. The cancer was hidden by dense breast tissue, a condition that often delays detection until later stages. I am grateful mine was found early, but the treatment plan is intense—surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and at least five years of hormone therapy. The costs are overwhelming, especially as my insurance no longer covers my area and premiums have increased. I’ve used up my savings and am now facing mounting bills for tests, treatments, and medications. I’ll also need to stay in San Antonio for radiation, adding travel and lodging expenses to the list.

Your support will help me pay for insurance premiums, medical bills, co-pays, medications, and living expenses until my disability benefits begin. I hope my story not only brings awareness to the risks of dense breast tissue but also inspires others to advocate for their health. I want to become a breast cancer advocate in the future, but right now, I need to focus on getting the treatment I need. Thank you for your kindness, encouragement, and any help you can offer. Wishing you all a blessed and hopeful new year.