Hope4Amy Against Cancer

PLEASE SHARE. Amy and Logan Howarth have three kids: Ace (7), Amily (5), and Amberose (3). Amy is a go-getter, dedicated mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and a pastor in our community. In November of 2018, through a self-exam Amy felt a painful lump in her right breast. On December 4, Amy had her first doctor appointment, which began the series of frequent doctor appointments. The results from the mammogram and ultrasound on December 14 were cause for greater concern, as the doctors found a tumor that measured 2.1cm x 1.9cm. The day after Christmas, December 26, Amy underwent a needle biopsy to remove samples of the tumor for testing. The results of that test came in the day after the new year.
 
The “C” Word
On January 2, 2019, Amy received a diagnosis of Stage 2b Invasive Ductal Carcinoma – Triple Negative Breast Cancer (IDC-TNBC). This was the day that all of Amy’s fears were realized. Her mother, maternal grandmother, and both maternal great-grandmothers had breast cancer. Knowing there were three generations before her that were diagnosed with cancer, Amy expected to see cancer later in her life towards her 60’s, but not at the age of 36, and especially with three young children at home. A genetics test was in order, and we are still currently waiting for the results of the BRCA test [UPDATE: the results came back as positive for BRCA2]. On January 7, the first appointment with a surgeon confirmed that more testing needed to happen before a treatment plan could be formulated. Then after waiting for two weeks, which felt like forever, Amy had an MRI to get a clearer look at what was growing in her body.
 
 
Following the recommendations of friends, family, and the doctors, Amy received a second opinion at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance on January 22. Once there, a team of 30+ doctors, medical students, and cancer specialists studied her biopsy and MRI results and came up with the best plan to fight Amy’s cancer. That day was full of information and planning. We learned that the tumor was aggressive, smart, and fast growing. First, the Radiation Oncologist explained what the treatment plan will be:
-      Chemotherapy for 5 months, followed by 1 month of recovery
-      Surgery followed by another month of recovery
-      Radiation for 6 weeks.
Next the Surgical Oncologist explained the different types of surgery options available depending on how well the chemo works. Amy is hopeful the chemo will shrink the tumor and that it will be removed by a lumpectomy. Finally, the Medical Oncologist prescribed a dense dosage of chemotherapy that will be given at a local hospital every other week for 20 weeks.
 
Here is Amy waiting to have her chemo port placed, which is the beginning of her new journey.
 
 
The “H” Word
Instead of setting new year’s resolutions, every year Amy chooses a word to live her year by. The day she received the diagnosis of cancer, she decided that her word for 2019 would be HOPE! Amy is deciding to have a fighting attitude in order to beat cancer. With that fighting attitude, her word for the year will not be “cancer,” but instead she is choosing “hope!”
 
For Amy, choosing hope means to be vulnerable and transparent, yet remaining positive and thankful for the ability to share her story in the midst of her fight.
 
However, nearly everyday there are frightening or overwhelming experiences, and now worrying about the financial costs of cancer adds new layers of anxiety. On the day we went to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, we had a tire blow out on the highway, and we opened many doctors’ bills totaling over $1000. That was just in one day. It was then that our friends started asking us if we were going to set-up a GoFundMe page. Within a few more days, more people have said they would love to help with any support. One person even reached out and replaced the bald tires on our car. That was a moment of hope for us.
 
We realized very quickly that it’s uncomfortable asking people for help; but more so, we can’t do this alone, and we need to get comfortable with asking for help.
 
There is so much more to learn over this next period of time, but now is the time for action.
We need your support for Amy, myself, Ace, Amily, and Amberose through prayer and giving financially as you are able! First, I want to say Thank You so much! Here are three ways we would love to ask for your support:
 
1.    PRAY. This battle is spiritual as much as it is physical. We invite you to commit to praying for our family in this season. Specifically, for the kids to adjust to a life where they can’t jump all over Amy. Pray for Amy and me for peace and trust in God in this season of the unknown, for strength physically, emotionally, and spiritually during Amy’s treatments, and that Amy will be healed.
 
2.    GIVE. Amy’s cancer diagnosis has led to significant, unplanned expenses. Money donated will help offset the costs not covered by insurance: out of pocket expenses, medical expenses (appointments, scans/tests, prescriptions, chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, etc), wigs/head coverings and other medical clothing, travel, food, and other supplies that will help Amy beat cancer.
 
3.    SHARE. It’s said that “it takes a village.” We won’t be able to reach these goals without the help of a large village. Please consider sharing this GoFundMe page with your friends and family, either vis social media, email, or word of mouth. As you share, use the hashtag #Hope4Amy to raise as much team spirit as we can.
 
Thank you so much for your support, generosity, and kindness. Once more info is available, it will be shared here on this page.