My name is Penny, and I’m reaching out about someone who has meant more to my life than I can put into words — my dear friend Lisa. We met over 22 years ago when she cared for my children as their childcare provider, loving them like they were her own. From that moment on, she became family. Later, we worked together at a nonprofit mental health agency, where I saw firsthand her compassion and unwavering dedication to helping others.

For more than 25 years, Lisa has been a mental health therapist helping children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. She has guided countless families through incredibly difficult moments with her steady kindness and skill. If you have ever met her, you know how deeply she cares for others.

Now, she is the one who needs kindness and support from others.

Recently, Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer. The imaging results have been conflicting, and the exact stage will not be known until after her surgery this week. What is known, however, is that her cancer is an aggressive form and carries high-risk factors, meaning the potential for it to return or spread is greater than average.

Because of this, her medical team has determined that Lisa will need a long and intensive course of treatment. After surgery, she will undergo chemotherapy and radiation, followed by additional therapies to strengthen the effectiveness of her treatment and reduce the chance of recurrence. The precise length and intensity of treatment will be determined once the surgical pathology is back, but what is certain is that the road ahead will be challenging.

Along with the emotional and physical toll, the financial burden of cancer — medical bills, time away from work, and everyday expenses — adds a heavy weight at a time when she should be focused on healing. As a small business owner who is self-employed, Lisa does not have the safety net of paid time off or built-in benefits, making this period of time away from work especially difficult.

I have created a GoFundMe to help ease that burden. Any amount you can give will make a meaningful difference, and sharing the campaign helps more than you know.

Thank you for standing with Lisa during this fight.