Maria Caballero

Hi, I’m Maria — married, geologist for the LDEQ, mom to a 3 kids and right now I’m facing the toughest fight of my life: Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer that’s spread to my lungs. I was diagnosed in April 2022 with stage two triple-negative breast cancer. I completed 16 chemotherapies, a double mastectomy, and three reconstruction surgeries. I managed to stay cancer-free for 18 months, and then my world would be forever rocked. I thought remission would be the end of my story. The truth is, my story had not even begun. In March 2024, the cancer returned. It was diagnosed as stage four metastatic breast cancer that had moved into my lungs. I have attempted three different types of chemotherapy, which initially worked and now have failed. Last week, I completed chemo number 67. I will be starting a fourth chemotherapy to hold me over as I wait for an appointment at MD Anderson on Monday 11/17/25.  There will be an exuberant amount of expenses to travel for doctor's appointments and chemotherapy. There will be hotel and meal costs. Also there will be cost for copays and I will need to pay my deductible in January due you see how fast I get there. There is also the unknown of whether or not I will be able to continue to work if I am able to get into a clinical trial. Currently, the chemotherapy that I am being prescribed has a side effect that can cause burning to your hands and feet to the point of peeling the skin off. This may also cause me to not be able to work. Some would say at this point, why put yourself through that? Well, the truth is, I have kids. My daughter, also my youngest, is only 14. I would give anything for more time to finish raising my little girl. Also, I have two boys in their 20s who have yet to get married and have kids an experience that I hope to one day see. I will always continue to fight as hard as possible not only for my family but for the army of people that are praying for me. I am so grateful and humbled by everyone’s kindness. I try to be the best example that I can be and keep my faith and trust that God is carrying me through this terrible time. Thank you so much for helping my family and I as this will allow us to help pay for treatments and travel expenses to MD Anderson. Also because I’m trying to make this as easy on my family as I can, I am covering final arrangements ahead of time.