As many of you know, I was diagnosed June 10th, 2021 with breast cancer. I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma stage 1b, grade 3. The grade tells how fast cancer cells reproduce; grade 3 is quite fast.

I have had my lumpectomy to remove the golf ball size tumor, had my port placement, and started the most aggressive chemotherapy to try and keep me cancer free. I had a test done on my cancer which put me at a 48% chance of the cancer reoccurring if I had chosen not do chemo and later radiation.

My husband Brandon has been by my side this entire time. I am forever grateful for that, but, sadly, that has meant days upon days of him missing work to get me to and from all of my appointments. I currently go for chemo every 3 weeks and the 1st time I was hospitalized for 3 days due to a very low white blood cell count. I am currently getting fluids after chemo to try and keep me out of the hospital. This also means more missed days at work for Brandon. I have reached out to the hospital to see if I can get rides to and from treatment, but they are going to run $80 per day for each time I need transportation.

I am sure many of you are asking "So, why are you asking for our help?" Well... Beyond my husband missing so much work which puts a big strain on our monthly expenses I also have terrible insurance at the moment as we were not expecting me to be diagnosed with breast cancer – no one is. I currently only have an accidental coverage plan that hardly covers 25% of my treatment. Each chemo treatment is over $30,000 and I have a total of 6 to do. I am currently gearing up for # 3. Currently, I am quickly moving toward owing $100,000 out of pocket for my medical bills, and I have only just begun.

This journey has been quick since diagnosis but has been long and hard. Cancer takes so much from you that you don't even realize. One day you are doing good, and the next, you are bed bound for days with the most excruciating pain you have ever been in. You have no taste buds, you have no hair, your brain is literally in a fog (Google “chemo brain”). I can be in midsentence and have no idea what I am talking about. Forget about short term memory. Your digestive system is either backed up beyond or its never ending and you can't keep fluids up; you want to eat but the thought of anything literally puts you in the bathroom getting sick.

I also have to say that my daughter Addyson has been amazing, she always checks on me and makes sure I have everything I need but this has been incredibly hard for her as well. My parents came and rented an Air BnB the last chemo just in case I ended up in the hospital and to take me to my treatments, but that can add up quickly for them as well. I hate asking for any kind of help and I have never had such a despairing financial situation until now. Anything would be greatly appreciated and will go towards medical bills, mortgage, utilities, groceries, and of course getting me to and from my treatments. I also paypal (@SaraZimmer) Venmo (Venmo.com/u/grasersp), or if you prefer to send a check, don't hesitate to facebook message or text me. If you don't feel comfortable donating I understand completely, and appreciate your thoughts and prayers!

A share would be more than generous and PLEASE tell everyone you know to check themselves monthly no matter your age! I am only 34 and I do not carry the gene or have any family history of breast cancer... Remember cancer does not judge and unfortunately, it is hitting women younger.