Support Hannah's Breast Cancer Fight
Donation protected
Hannah Levine is a mountain biker, instructor, adventurer, off-grid home builder, dog lover, master organizer and all around inspiration. She has accomplished more in her 32 years of life than most do in a lifetime. I was lucky enough to meet Hannah in the Fall of 2017 and somehow convince her to travel the country with me in my travel trailer. In the summer of 2018, Hannah and I decided to settle down and purchase our dream property in Southern Oregon. We broke ground on our A-frame cabin in January, at the time thinking we were taking on the challenge of a lifetime. Little did we know, only 3 months into pursuing our off-grid dreams, we would be facing an even bigger challenge.
On Wednesday March 20th, Hannah went in for a mammogram and ultrasound to investigate a lump she noticed in her left breast. After reviewing the initial images, the radiologist expressed concern and asked Hannah to return that afternoon for a biopsy and additional images. 5 days later we got the pathology report back and early on Monday March 25th Hannah received the life changing call. Hannah was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The days that followed were a whirlwind of activity - coordinating doctors visits, researching treatment and making arrangements to clear Hannah’s plate so she could focus 100% on beating this cancer.
After additional testing, Hannah was further diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. A triple negative diagnosis means that the three common types of receptors known to fuel most breast cancer - estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and the human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER-2) - are not present in the tumor. Triple negative breast cancers are more aggressive and difficult to treat. The cancer is also more likely to spread and recur. Hannah’s tumor is relatively large, 6cm and growing, and has invaded lymph nodes, putting her at stage 3. Additional tests are underway to check for metastasis, but we are hopeful the cancer has not yet spread to other parts of the body. With all of this said, recent advancements in treatment have greatly improved the prognosis for this diagnosis. We have also started to gather details on clinical trials across the country, should we need to explore alternative treatment options down the road.
Hannah has lined up a great team to help her through her journey at St. Charles Cancer Center in Bend. Her current treatment plan includes 16 rounds of chemo over the next 5 months, followed by a double mastectomy and then radiation.
Hannah’s aggressive treatment plan will pull her away from the things she loves most - riding her mountain bike, building our off-grid house, teaching mountain bike skills, cooking and traveling. Hannah has climbed a lot of mountains in her lifetime but this will be the toughest uphill climb she’s faced yet.
In addition to the unwavering support of Hannah’s parents and extended family, she has seen an overwhelming outpouring of support from her community of mountain bikers, friends, colleagues and even digital strangers who have followed her through her numerous inspiring journeys. As you likely know, Hannah is fiercely independent and with that, a bit hesitant to acknowledge when she needs a helping hand. But right now, she really does need our help. Your support here will allow us to reduce the financial burden of this diagnosis and give Hannah a safe space to heal.
We are just 2 weeks into this journey and the expenses have already started to mount. While Hannah has health insurance, living 2 hours from the cancer center will require added travel and accommodation expenses. Additionally, Hannah will likely to be unable to work for some time.
Any funds raised here will help to cover a long list of expenses including:
Insurance deductible / co-insurance, fuel costs to/from St. Charles Cancer Center, accommodations 1-3 nights per week in Bend for the next 9 months, non-covered medical expenses, nourishing meals, plus anything else she may need to be comfortable during her battle.
Through all this, Hannah has remained incredibly hopeful and good spirited. We will continue to post progress updates here so you can follow along on her journey and cheer her to the cancer-free finish line.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for loving and supporting Hannah.
-Richard
For those who have inquired, Hannah can receive mail at the following address:
Hannah Levine
6510 S 6th St #135
Klamath Falls, OR
97603
Hannah will also continue to share her journey on instagram @hannahandvannah
On Wednesday March 20th, Hannah went in for a mammogram and ultrasound to investigate a lump she noticed in her left breast. After reviewing the initial images, the radiologist expressed concern and asked Hannah to return that afternoon for a biopsy and additional images. 5 days later we got the pathology report back and early on Monday March 25th Hannah received the life changing call. Hannah was diagnosed with breast cancer.
The days that followed were a whirlwind of activity - coordinating doctors visits, researching treatment and making arrangements to clear Hannah’s plate so she could focus 100% on beating this cancer.
After additional testing, Hannah was further diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. A triple negative diagnosis means that the three common types of receptors known to fuel most breast cancer - estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and the human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER-2) - are not present in the tumor. Triple negative breast cancers are more aggressive and difficult to treat. The cancer is also more likely to spread and recur. Hannah’s tumor is relatively large, 6cm and growing, and has invaded lymph nodes, putting her at stage 3. Additional tests are underway to check for metastasis, but we are hopeful the cancer has not yet spread to other parts of the body. With all of this said, recent advancements in treatment have greatly improved the prognosis for this diagnosis. We have also started to gather details on clinical trials across the country, should we need to explore alternative treatment options down the road.
Hannah has lined up a great team to help her through her journey at St. Charles Cancer Center in Bend. Her current treatment plan includes 16 rounds of chemo over the next 5 months, followed by a double mastectomy and then radiation.
Hannah’s aggressive treatment plan will pull her away from the things she loves most - riding her mountain bike, building our off-grid house, teaching mountain bike skills, cooking and traveling. Hannah has climbed a lot of mountains in her lifetime but this will be the toughest uphill climb she’s faced yet.
In addition to the unwavering support of Hannah’s parents and extended family, she has seen an overwhelming outpouring of support from her community of mountain bikers, friends, colleagues and even digital strangers who have followed her through her numerous inspiring journeys. As you likely know, Hannah is fiercely independent and with that, a bit hesitant to acknowledge when she needs a helping hand. But right now, she really does need our help. Your support here will allow us to reduce the financial burden of this diagnosis and give Hannah a safe space to heal.
We are just 2 weeks into this journey and the expenses have already started to mount. While Hannah has health insurance, living 2 hours from the cancer center will require added travel and accommodation expenses. Additionally, Hannah will likely to be unable to work for some time.
Any funds raised here will help to cover a long list of expenses including:
Insurance deductible / co-insurance, fuel costs to/from St. Charles Cancer Center, accommodations 1-3 nights per week in Bend for the next 9 months, non-covered medical expenses, nourishing meals, plus anything else she may need to be comfortable during her battle.
Through all this, Hannah has remained incredibly hopeful and good spirited. We will continue to post progress updates here so you can follow along on her journey and cheer her to the cancer-free finish line.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for loving and supporting Hannah.
-Richard
For those who have inquired, Hannah can receive mail at the following address:
Hannah Levine
6510 S 6th St #135
Klamath Falls, OR
97603
Hannah will also continue to share her journey on instagram @hannahandvannah
Organizer and beneficiary
Richard L.
Organizer
Klamath Falls, OR
Hannah Levine
Beneficiary
