UPDATE On my Story: ( If you are new to my page, read below for the beginning of my journey and check out the updates for my unfortunate news)

Hi, my name is Tia.

In the last few months, my entire world turned upside down.

What started as a hematoma on my leg — something we thought would heal on its own — turned out to be a tumor. After months of pain and confusion, a hospital stay, and endless tests, I finally heard the word no one wants to hear: cancer.

I’m 40 years old. I came out later in life at 39, and I finally stepped into my full truth and met the love of my life — a gorgeous, woman who makes me feel seen, safe, and deeply loved. I have a beautiful 9-year-old son, an ADHD-fueled household full of love (and fur), and a future I’m just beginning to build. I was lucky enough to marry the love of my life over the weekend!

But now, I’m facing the impossible!

My doctors strongly recommend chemo, along with radiation and surgery. But chemo could destroy my fertility and change my life forever. I’ve dreamed of having another child, of growing my family and sharing that love. That dream didn’t disappear just because cancer showed up at my door.

After a lot of research, soul-searching, and listening to my body and heart, I did choose radiation and surgery without chemo. It’s not the easy path, and it’s not one I chose lightly. But it’s my path — because it honors both my health and my dream of becoming a mom again.

As you can imagine, the financial burden of this journey is overwhelming. Between hospital stays, scans, surgery costs, potential fertility preservation, and time away from work — it’s a lot.

I’ve always been the one to show up for others, to hold space, to keep everyone laughing (and slightly feral) through the chaos. Now, I’m learning to ask for help, which is not easy!

Your support — whether through donations, sharing this page, or sending love and good energy — means everything to me and my family.

If you’ve followed my journey, you know I live out loud. I love big. I dream big. And I believe in community.

Thank you for helping me fight this, protect my future, and keep building the beautiful, love-filled life I finally found.

With all my heart,

Tia