In October, I received the life-changing diagnosis of invasive melanoma. The journey began with surgery to remove a tumor from my back and a lymph node for biopsy. When the results came back, I learned that the cancer had spread to my lymph node and was staged at III b. In December, I started a year-long course of IV immunotherapy, hoping to fight the disease and regain my health.

Unfortunately, my recovery took an unexpected turn. Although my back initially seemed to be healing, an infection developed in early December, causing my surgical site to open up. I now have a tunneling wound that requires wound packing three times every day. The physical challenges have been overwhelming, but the mental toll has been just as significant. I have been struggling with increased anxiety and panic attacks, making it difficult to focus on anything but healing.

With the support of my team at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center, my work family, and my husband and children, I made the difficult decision to take medical leave. I am grateful to live in Colorado and have access to FAMLI leave, which will help financially, but it will not cover all of my bills. That is why I am setting up this GoFundMe—to help with groceries, medical bills, and living expenses while I focus on healing. If you are able to give, whether financially or with a gift card to King Soopers/Kroger or Walmart, I would be deeply grateful. If you cannot give, your prayers, love, and light mean the world to me as I work to heal my body and mind.