Hi, I’m Danielle. I’m a 36-year-old mother of 4. My husband, Raymond, and I have been together for 16.5 years, married for 15 of those years.

I was so excited for this year. We had so many exciting things planned: a trip to New York City for Raymond’s 13th birthday, a cross-country road trip to Washington state, a cruise to Alaska, and so much more.

On January 28th, I tore my calf muscle while coaching gymnastics. That injury has kept me out of work since. January 31st is when everything changed. My doctor found a lump that she was concerned about. Fast forward to March 27th when I went in for testing and biopsies. On April 1st, we received the news that I have grade 2, stage 3B breast cancer. This was a huge shock to us. Since then, life has been turned upside down. Raymond and I have met with my team of doctors. The tumors are larger than originally expected, which means I will have 4-6 months of chemotherapy before having a full mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. After that, I will have more chemotherapy and then 3-4 weeks of radiation.

I won’t be able to work for the next 9-12 months, possibly longer. Raymond has had to take on more at home and with the kids. Breast cancer at 36 wasn’t something I was worried about. There are so many unknowns. I’m a planner; I like to do things myself, and I don’t like asking for help. So you can see how all of this is a hard adjustment. I’m going to need help. Help with everything for the next 9+ months.

Any way you can help will be much appreciated.