My twin sister Ellen has had an incredibly tough year. Last summer, she underwent open-heart surgery for a rare congenital heart defect. Now, just 10 months later, she has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. This diagnosis comes just 5 weeks after she bravely decided to get a fresh start on life by moving to a new city and starting a new career.

As with many new jobs, there is a waiting period before health insurance coverage begins. Unfortunately, her diagnosis and early treatment are occurring during this waiting period, costing her thousands of dollars in medical bills up front. Since she has a very fast-growing type of cancer, she needs to begin weekly chemotherapy immediately. Chemotherapy will be followed by surgery, and possibly radiation and additional rounds of chemo to ensure that the cancer is completely gone and does not reoccur.

The last thing she needs right now is to have to worry about medical bills and other living expenses. It would mean so much to her (and me) if others were able to help relieve this burden as she faces this enormous uphill battle. Every donation, no matter the size, is incredibly appreciated.