Support Sarah's Fight against Breast Cancer and Education

Hello friends and family,

I was going back and forth considering making a GoFundMe account because I didn't want others to judge me with this, but here we are.

On November 18th 10 days before Thanksgiving, I was diagnosed with stage 2 aggressive Metastatic Breast Cancer at 36 years old. I had an active lifestyle and to be diagnosed with cancer especially breast cancer, was hard. I had not only one lump, which was the one I felt, but four small masses in my right breast. I started my first chemotherapy infusion on December 23rd, yes, two days before Christmas, which unfortunately my cancer care team did not want to prolong the treatment because I was in high risk of the cancer to spread.

I have been pushing myself in between chemotherapy sessions (every three weeks) to work part-time, care for my daughter pay for both our expenses and it has been hard physically, mentally and financially. I am scheduled for my mastectomy May 27th, and I won't know if I will need Radiation until the day of the surgery until we the biopsy results, but I do know for sure is that treatments will continue, more doctor appointments and still be working part-time.

Two of my biggest goals is not only beating this disgusting cancer battle, but to also be able to finally finish my master's program (LCSW) at National University. I had to take a LOA (leave of absence) when I started my cancer treatment because of the treatment side effects, and unfortunately, I had to withdraw the program due to financial problems.

My goal after I am done with my master's program is to work in the mental health field because I believe that as both a patient and professional, going through your own mental health battles or any other battles that you and others a facing, running into individuals in similar or even the same situation can help them understand that they are not alone. Not only am I fighting cancer, but I have also been fighting depression and anxiety since I was 18.

These past several months, I’ve realized that asking for help is OK, and there is nothing to be embarrassed or ashamed about, which is why I am here today. Thank you for reading my story.

Sarah