Hi, my name is Justine Tietjen. I am an engineer working with MTA C&D Bridges and Tunnels in New York City. I’m raising funds to help a young mother who has been fighting stage 4 Breast cancer since 2019. Her name is Stephanie. I hired Stephanie in 2017, and she has been an outstanding member of our team… always cheerful, dedicated, and driven to succeed. In 2019, shortly after marrying her college sweetheart, Stephanie found out she was pregnant. What a joy! Then she was diagnosed just weeks later with one of the most deadly forms of breast cancer. Desperate to keep the only child she might ever have, Stephanie worked with MSK to undergo a special chemotherapy treatment that allowed her to give birth to her daughter Luna. Afterwards Stephanie underwent an extensive treatment regime and surgery. For a little while it appeared that the cancer was under control, however, in 2022 it reappeared as a lesion on her hip. On top of this, almost at the same time, Luna was diagnosed with autism, and has required multiple special classes and therapies to help her development. Since then, Stephanie has undergone additional surgeries and multiple treatment protocols, all while caring for Luna, and working full time. The latest round of treatments were not successful and the cancer is continuing to spread. MSK has recommended a relatively new chemotherapy treatment that has shown success in other women with her form of cancer, however our insurance has denied coverage. The cost of this new treatment is estimated at approximately $15,000.00 per month. Stephanie has applied for assistance from the drug manufacturer based upon her income but even a reduced treatment cost will be over $1000.00 per month. Between the costs associated with Stephanie’s past treatments as well as the necessary developmental therapies for Luna, Stephanie’s family is out of money, and they have tapped every available resource for additional funds, including taking the maximum loan against her pension. Without our assistance, Stephanie will not be able to afford this potentially life saving treatment. She is a very courageous woman whom I admire greatly. I cannot think of anyone who deserves our help and support more than Stephanie. I think everyone in the world can relate to her plight. Please help me raise enough money to allow her family to get back on their feet, and pay for this life saving treatment. Stephanie has never asked anyone for help… not once. But she needs our help. Now. So I’m asking for her. Please take action. Give anything. Every little bit counts. Please, and thank you in advance for your generosity. Justine