Update:  We have added a meal train link at the bottom of this page.

There comes a time in all of our lives where circumstances beyond our control force us to surrender and ask for help.  For Courtney, this moment has arrived despite her fierce independence and free spirit. 

In September 2020, Courtney received news she was positive for the BRCA 1 gene mutation. The gene mutation significantly increases a person's risk of breast and ovarian cancer. She had her first mammogram at that time and it was normal. Cancer specialists advised her to first get a hysterectomy, since ovarian cancer can often go undetected until too late. She was also advised to consider a preventative double mastectomy. Courtney planned on having a hysterectomy this fall and was bracing herself for a preventative double mastectomy.  However,  everything changed drastically in February 2021 when Courtney was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

Triple negative breast cancer is unique in that it does not have any of the receptors (estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 protein) that are commonly found in breast cancer. This form of breast cancer is known for being more aggressive and more likely to spread beyond the breast. In part, because there are fewer medicines that target it.  We already know that there is some cancer in her lymph nodes.  Aggressive cancer requires aggressive medical response. 

Fortunately, Courtney is working closely with a smart and caring cancer physician who recommended she participate in an immunotherapy trial. Just this week, she had her first round of this treatment. On April 6th, she will begin chemotherapy. After that, she will undergo a double mastectomy, then radiation, and then reconstruction. At some point during her treatment she will also have the hysterectomy to address her elevated risk of ovarian cancer. 

Courtney does have short term disability, which she will take when she begins chemotherapy, but it only covers 60% of her current income for up to four weeks. Courtney had already exhausted her sick and vacation leave to provide care to family members with their own health needs and in her role as a foster parent. Just one week before Courtney’s diagnosis, her foster son moved out of their home, which was a big transition. Due to the timing of the diagnosis there is no time for her to move to a smaller home.  Additionally, some of her medical expenses will not be fully covered by her health insurance. 

All of this to say, we're asking for financial contributions to help keep her afloat while she tackles this cancer beast.  Even a few dollars helps and conveys the message that her community will hold her up in this time of crisis in the same way that she has held so many others over the years.  

Immunotherapy. Chemotherapy. Double Mastectomy. Radiation. Hysterectomy. Even typing all that out makes me feel tired. The last thing Courtney should need to worry about now is money.  Stress is not conducive to healing.  Help us take this one burden off her mind and show her that she is loved. 

If sending money is not an option, consider signing up to send or bring a meal by on her treatment and recovery days: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/0o9zw9  

Courtney could also use notes of encouragement ...  and whispers of positivity out to the universe. Thank you for taking the time to read this and to think of our dear friend.