"She made broken look beautiful and strong look invincible. She walked with the universe on her shoulders and made it look like a pair of wings." -Ariana Dancu

My Aunt Micky has always been one of my best friends. Growing up, I was blessed to be surrounded by a group of strong, independent women, my aunt being the strongest of them all. Beautiful, intelligent, funny, full of determination, always the last to judge and the first to lend a helping hand, she's the type of person you hope your daughter turns out to be. In 2022, when I found out my aunt would be fighting the toughest battle of her life, it shook me to my core. But I knew if anyone could do it, it would be her. She has since overcome challenges and obstacles that would have broken most people. But the real kicker? In fighting this battle, she has truly learned how to LIVE. I would love nothing more than to be able to help her, to alleviate some of the burden she has felt and continues to feel. With her permission, I am asking for help. Please, take a second to read her story below. If you can't offer financial help, prayers and good vibes would be just as appreciated! Thank you!

"It's a wild, wild world. And you're a wild, wild girl." Love you, Aunt Mick!

My Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) Journey

I was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer on 12-15-2022. Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC), also known as stage 4 breast cancer, occurs when breast cancer cells spread from the original tumor in the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain. Because MBC is a stage 4 cancer, it is considered a disability.

MBC requires a lifetime of various treatments, all of which are extremely costly, and the out-of-pocket expenses add up quickly. My initial treatment journey began with 4 rounds of brain radiation followed by chemotherapy and 2 types of immunotherapy drug infusion treatments, all within the first 6 months of being diagnosed. During this time, I could not work. I returned to work on 8-1-2023 after having gone through the processes of taking a medical leave of absence, necessitating short-term and long-term disability during the time I was unable to work.

Throughout my journey, I found survivorship means having a support network. Survivorship is as unique as the person enduring the process; for me, I learned that being single adds a layer of complexity as to what a network can mean. A network provides a haven for a survivor and whatever they need at any given moment. I have my boys, my family, close friends, and for the past 2 years of my journey, my body has begun healing from cancer albeit the side effects of the treatments take their toll. Scanxiety is my word and it is a real thing :-) My scans have been clean until a few months ago when a new tumor was found in my right breast and in June I needed a few rounds of radiation.

On August 29, 2025, at 3 pm, and after 22 years of loyalty to Donor Network of Arizona, I was unexpectedly terminated from my employment with them, leaving me with 2 days of insurance coverage. I initiated COBRA coverage for insurance, which is extremely expensive, in addition to filing paperwork for permanent disability. I have managed over the almost 3 years of continued cancer treatment to keep up with paying for what insurance didn’t and paying to live in this crazy world. I have depleted every penny saved and am at a point where I don’t know how I will be able to pay for the continued COBRA coverage. My disability will kick in around March of 2026.

I am here, humbly asking for help, so that I can pay for COBRA over the next few months. If after reading my story, you feel moved to donate, anything will be appreciated.