Toddler mom Tera Martin faces metastatic cancer

My dear friend Tera Martin is facing a rare recurrence of breast cancer that has spread from her breast to her pelvis, thorax, skull, and spine. Doctors have given her a 29% chance of surviving 2 to 5 years.

Your gift will ensure Tera can seek the best treatments available to prolong her life and increase her chances of a miracle cure.

It will alleviate Tera's fear of leaving her family behind in crippling debt.

And most importantly, it will help Tera make lasting memories with her son Kash. So she can be there for his first trip to Disney World. For his first day of Kindergarten. And for all the hugs and cuddles no parent should ever have to forego with their child.

In April 2013, Tera was diagnosed with stage 3b ductal carcinoma breast cancer at 28 years old. While only 5% of all breast cancer cases occur in women in their 20s and 30s, Tera faced her diagnosis with determination, strength, and positivity. After 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 33 rounds of radiation, a double mastectomy, a second cancer recurrence in 2015, and 7 years of hormone blockers, Tera was finally deemed cancer free.

Throughout her battle, Tera learned she had a BRCA 2 gene mutation, making her more susceptible to developing breast cancer. And sadly, Tera came to understand all too well the financial hurdles young women face with genetic testing and early detection. Because of this, Tera and her then-boyfriend Josh founded the Pink Gene Foundation, a non-profit supporting young women who are either high-risk or currently battling breast cancer. The duo became fierce advocates, and together, their non-profit raised over $100,000, including a $55,000 donation to the Fred Hutchinson Research Insitute sponsoring a breast cancer metastatic research project. That’s the kind of person Tera is – she's hard-working, kind-hearted, and always eager to give back.

In 2019, Tera and Josh were married after ten years together, with Josh standing by Tera’s side through thick and thin. Then in July 2021, all of their dreams came true when Tera gave birth to their miracle baby boy, Kash Cunningham -- in spite of doctors telling her she wouldn't be able to conceive. Finally, Tera felt like she could put her traumatic past behind her and move forward with her 'happily ever after.' Kash is sheer joy and a constant light in Tera and Josh's life.

"Being a mom is the most beautiful reconnection to the pure essence of love, laughter, and joy. Kash is my true purpose in life and I will do everything to extend my time here with him."

Two months after Kash's first birthday, Tera’s whole world came crashing down when she received the crushing news that her breast cancer had returned. A small nodule the doctors believed to have been fat necrosis turned out to be cancerous. And after further scans, Tera learned it was stage 4 metastatic cancer that had spread from her breast to her pelvis, thorax, skull, and spine. Doctors have given her a 29% likelihood of surviving 2 to 5 years and have deemed her cancer incurable.

Once again, Tera is facing her diagnosis with grace and determination. But Tera is not the kind of person to ask for help – even though she is quick to give others the shirt off her back. I’ve known her since she was 15, and she’s always been fiercely independent and proud. Tera already has a lot to deal with emotionally and physically, but there is also an immense financial burden. Yes, she has health insurance, but only a portion of her bills are covered.

Tera is taking an integrative approach to better her chances for a "miracle" this time, meaning she's undergoing both conventional and alternative therapies. But the costs are astronomical:

Tera began chemotherapy in November and as always, is keeping her positive attitude and zest for life. Thank you for all of your positive thoughts, prayers, donations, and shares. We will continue to keep you informed with Tera's progress and updates.