Lily Wofford

In January 2025, at just 32 years old, I heard the words no one ever expects to hear: “It’s cancer.” What started as a lump turned into a diagnosis of Stage II invasive ductal breast cancer. Further testing revealed that I carry the BRCA2 gene mutation, significantly increasing my cancer risk and changing the course of my treatment. Since that day, life has been a whirlwind of surgeries, procedures, chemotherapy, radiation, medications, scans, and countless doctor appointments. I underwent a bilateral mastectomy, multiple additional surgeries, 16 rounds of chemotherapy, 25 rounds of radiation, fertility preservation treatments, and ongoing cancer-related therapies. While I am incredibly grateful to have reached the end of active treatment, the journey did not end when chemotherapy and radiation stopped. Cancer has affected every aspect of my life—physically, emotionally, and financially. Many people know me as the owner of Wofford Ranch, a barrel racer, coach, horse trainer, and someone who rarely slows down. Throughout treatment, I continued running my business, caring for horses, teaching students, and competing when I could because those things gave me purpose and hope. There were days I showed up exhausted, in pain, or uncertain of what the future held, but I kept going because I believed there would be brighter days ahead. The reality is that surviving cancer comes with a tremendous financial burden. Medical bills, surgeries, medications, travel expenses, lost work opportunities, ongoing monitoring, and continued treatment costs have created a significant strain. Even now, I continue to face expenses related to survivorship, follow-up testing, specialty care, and managing long-term side effects from treatment. Recently, I underwent additional bone and CT scans as part of my continued monitoring. Like many cancer survivors, every scan brings both hope and anxiety. The uncertainty can be overwhelming, but I continue to trust God and take each day one step at a time. If there is one thing this journey has taught me, it is that none of us are meant to walk through life's hardest battles alone. I have been blessed by an incredible community of family, friends, clients, students, rodeo families, and strangers who have prayed for me, encouraged me, and lifted me up when I needed it most. Today, I am humbly asking for help. Any donation, no matter the size, will help offset ongoing medical expenses and allow me to focus on healing, rebuilding my strength, and continuing the work I love with my horses and students. If you are unable to give financially, I would be deeply grateful if you would share this fundraiser and keep me in your prayers. Throughout this journey, I have witnessed God's faithfulness in ways I never imagined. There were moments when I felt broken, exhausted, and afraid, yet He continued to provide strength for the next step. My story is still being written, and I believe this chapter will become part of a greater testimony. Thank you for standing beside me, for your prayers, your support, and for helping carry me through this fight.