Hi, my name is Allison.

I am a mother of four, including three young children, living in a small rural town in Florida. For most of this past year, I wasn’t feeling well — but like many parents, I kept pushing through and putting my family first.

For over six months, I experienced ongoing throat issues, visible swelling in my neck, pressure in my chest, and heaviness in my shoulders and back. I truly believed it was a thyroid issue, as my throat and thyroid area were visibly swollen. Living in a rural area with limited access to specialists meant longer wait times, so I delayed care longer than I should have.

After six solid months of worsening symptoms, I finally went to the emergency room looking for answers. A CT scan was performed, and later that day a specialist explained what was really happening: I have a very large tumor that has grown into my chest wall and surrounding tissue in my neck. While it was overwhelming to hear, it was also the first real answer I’d had after months of not feeling well.

My medical care and testing are now centered at Tampa General Hospital, which is approximately a 2.5-hour drive each way from our home. My husband, Michael, has had to miss work to help care for our children and drive me to appointments, testing, and consultations. As surgery approaches, additional travel and possible overnight stays near the hospital may be required.

To make this even more difficult, we lost our health insurance in September, so all medical care, travel, and related expenses are currently out-of-pocket. Between medical costs, gas, food, parking, possible hotel stays, missed work, and everyday household expenses, the financial strain has grown quickly.

We are doing everything we can to stay strong for our children and keep life as normal as possible during this uncertain time. Any support raised will go directly toward medical travel, surgery and recovery-related expenses, and basic living costs while I heal.

Thank you for reading our story and for any support, prayers, or kindness you’re able to share. It truly means more to us than we can put into words.

Allison & Michael