Support My Breast Cancer Journey: Healing and Hope

Breast Cancer. Two words that halt everything. I never expected to face this challenge, but then, who does? We started the new year grieving the loss of one of our two darling cats, Bandit. We had a tiny emergency fund, which we were so grateful for, to cover his end of life costs. We hoped 2025 would be a fresh start and that we could replenish our tiny emergency fund before anything else happened. . .instead I got the dreaded call - “there is something suspicious on your mammogram.” Those of you who’ve gotten that call know how the bottom drops out of everything. Some weeks later, after being stabbed and poked and prodded and squished and examined and sliced open, it still seems surreal. I have a top notch team at OHSU and a husband who is beyond amazingly supportive. Plus loving parents, sister, family, and friends. Bandit’s little sister Phoebe is taking her therapy cat responsibilities seriously.

As with most Americans, we live paycheck to paycheck. Recent economic uncertainty, the US medical system, rent prices and a thousand other things make financial insecurity a huge part of our lives. I know we are not alone in this struggle. With medical expenses already rolling in and unknown expenses on the horizon, I ask myself, how can I possibly follow the constant advice I’m getting to “stay positive and calm and focus on healing?” We aren’t fancy or extravagant people - I’ve taken 2 vacations in the last 10 years (my husband zero) and we are simply grateful when we can make sure the rent isn’t late and the internet is. paid so I can work from home. I also know that compared to so many we are beyond lucky - I am full of gratitude for that fact.

I am putting this fund raising attempt out into the universe in hopes that I can raise a little assistance to help take some of the financial pressure off of our household. I want nothing more than to stay calm, breathe deeply, visualize health & healing and get myself to that moment when I can say “I’m in remission!” That was the announcement Princess Katherine made the day I got my diagnosis and I am using it as a visualization.

To all the others out there who’ve faced their own cancer battles, I’m sending you love and compassion with all my heart. And to everyone - get screened regularly, early detection makes all the difference.

From this point forward I will never stop speaking out about breast cancer and early detection while continuing to share my own story in hopes that it may help others.