My name is Jasmine and I am sister to Sydni Monahan and this is her story..

“Life has a funny way of challenging us when we least expect it, especially after the past couple of years. Recently, I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, meaning its spread from its origin, and in my case it has spread to my liver and bones. Just two months after giving birth to our beautiful baby girl, what started as breastfeeding issues and lactation appointments, quickly turned into a nightmare. The cancer is currently not curable, but it is treatable. It’s hard to even put into words how challenging this news has been to comprehend for my self and my family, yet it continues to unfold right in front of us. We have had and continue to have a lot of appointments but from what we know so far, it’s very aggressive and for that reason we are having to jump on chemotherapy and a combination of other medications. Next week I start chemotherapy. Next week I have to completely stop breastfeeding my baby girl. Next week I have to await my hair falling out and all the other negative side effects. Next week I have to balance chemotherapy and caring for a 2 year old and 2 month old. But next week I also get to start really putting up a fight!

Despite all of the news seeming to just get more difficult to hear with each appointment, I am trying to stay positive. I have such a strong desire to live and will endure all the pain of this journey to come out on the other side making more memories with my husband, our beautiful children, and all our family and friends. In just the short amount of time we’ve been burdened with this news, we’ve already had so much support from so many wonderful people that we are beyond grateful to know. I want to say thank you to those of you who have listened, reached out, asked questions, sent us information or coordinated resources, made connections for us, researched things, sent money for the medical bills that are already piling up, provided breastmilk, sent food, prayed, or just loved us through this time.

Due to this life altering news and the immediate treatment plan, Sydni is not currently able to work. Even though they have insurance, they only pay about 70% of things. However, that is after a huge deductible they will have to cover first and with some bills already requiring an upfront fee. So Sydni and Cody, her husband, are working hard to utilize any and all assistance to help pay for all the medical bills this diagnosis is sure to bring.

We know not everyone can help in this regard and that is absolutely okay. We just ask you help in sharing this message. And a prayer or two.

Thank you to all of you!