Traci Branch's Medical Fund

Shortly after being diagnosed. Pink Power!


Traci and her son, Boden


Traci and her husband, Nate

Invasive ductal carcinoma with metastasis to the spine, skull, and liver...

Those are the shocking, horrific words we are all still trying to wrap our heads around -- devastating words that are now a part of our friend Traci's every-day life. 

This is stage IV breast cancer, the most advanced kind, and it has spread to her bones and liver. There is no cure. 

Three of her vertebrae have fractured because of the metastasis, and she has lost almost two inches of height because of this. When she is not in bed, she is required to wear a body cast that supports her spine. The condition is very painful and debilitating; Traci is on various medications to control her pain, and is very limited as to completing activities of daily living. 

A treatment plan has been established (radiation, chemo, surgery), and it is going to be a long road. 

Traci and her husband Nate have a three-year-old son, Boden. Nate is not currently employed, though he is searching for work. Due to her condition, Traci is unable to work, and as a result, it will be difficult for Traci and Nate to meet the financial demands of daily life and cancer treatment.

Traci has always been a very healthy, active, and independent person. It is frustrating for her to be so physically limited, and heartbreaking for us to see her struggle. Just over two years ago, she ran a half-marathon in under two hours. And in 2014, even while dealing with some injuries, she ran a full marathon. Traci is used to being active, and it's like the rug has completely been pulled out from under her! 

The money raised here will go toward the family's living expenses and Traci's medical bills. Any and all donations, no matter how big or small, will make a huge difference in Traci, Nate, and Boden's lives!

(As just one example, they are traveling around 50 miles to and from the hospital where she is receiving treatments (100 miles total for each hospital visit) -- $10 would cover the cost of gas for one trip!)

Other ways you can help:

Sign up to deliver a meal (or have one delivered): 

http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=HZLO3187&v=9b6fbc8c6cB

Dedicate your running, walking, swimming, biking or other activity miles to Traci:

https://www.facebook.com/milesfortraci/

Page notes

Cheryl and Meredith are managing this page, but many others will be sharing updates, news, stories, and memories. We will post some direct updates from Traci from time to time, too. Most of us met and bonded while training for marathons in NW Ohio, and we have since traveled together and enjoyed many great times over the years. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Thank you!