In April 2026, my life changed in a way I never could have imagined. I was diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer and learned that I carry the BRCA2 genetic mutation. In an instant, life became a whirlwind of doctor appointments, difficult decisions, surgeries, treatments, and more uncertainty than I ever thought I would have to face.
One of the hardest parts of this journey has been realizing that the surgical care and reconstructive options I needed weren't available to me close to home. After extensive research, I was fortunate enough to find an extraordinary surgeon several states away who could offer the specialized, innovative care I was searching for.
In June, I traveled out of state for my first surgery, which included a lumpectomy and reconstruction. Unfortunately, my recovery was far from easy. Complications involving tissue necrosis and delayed healing led to 21 hyperbaric oxygen treatments. What I had hoped would be a time of healing became another unexpected and exhausting chapter of this journey.
And the fight hasn't stopped.
I'm currently undergoing chemotherapy, doing my best to navigate the physical and emotional challenges that come with it, while also preparing for what lies ahead.
In January 2027, I will once again travel out of state for a much more extensive and invasive surgery. This next procedure will require hospitalization and a recovery period that will keep me away from home for at least three weeks.
As difficult as the medical side of this journey has been, there is another burden that has become increasingly overwhelming: the financial cost of getting the care I need.
Because my surgery is several states away, my family and those helping care for me must find a place to stay throughout my surgery and recovery. The lodging alone will cost more than $10,000, including taxes. Flights are approximately $400 per person, and that doesn't begin to account for meals, transportation, and the many unexpected expenses that come with being away from home for weeks.
These aren't vacations or expenses we would ever choose to take on. They're simply what it costs to get the medical care I need, with the people I love by my side to help me through it.
I've always tried to be someone who finds a way to make things work, and asking for financial help doesn't come naturally to me. But cancer has a way of teaching you that even when you're doing everything you can to be strong, sometimes you simply cannot carry everything on your own.
More than anything, I want to be able to focus on getting through chemotherapy, preparing for this next surgery, healing, and getting back to living my life without the constant worry of how we're going to afford it all.
That's why I'm reaching out and asking for help.
Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly toward helping cover the travel, lodging, and related expenses necessary for my upcoming surgery and recovery. Every dollar will help ease a little of the financial weight my family and I are carrying.
If you're unable to give financially, sharing this fundraiser or keeping me in your thoughts and prayers would mean just as much.
I've learned throughout this journey that some of the greatest gifts aren't things at all. They're the kindness, compassion, encouragement, and generosity of people who remind you that you're not facing life's hardest moments alone.
I still have a long road ahead of me, but I have so much to fight for and so much life left that I want to live.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping me get through this next chapter. Your generosity means more than I could ever adequately put into words. You're not just helping with expenses. You're giving me and my family a little peace of mind during one of the most difficult seasons of our lives.
With love and gratitude,
Margo ❤️
