Shelli is a 52-year-old single mother, a hard worker, and someone who has spent her life taking care of the people she loves. Right now, she is facing the fight of her life — Stage 3C basaloid squamous cell carcinoma.
Her treatment is extensive: 33 radiation treatments, two full rounds of chemotherapy, oral chemotherapy, and continued immunotherapy through December 2026.
But while Shelli is fighting for her health, she is also facing a frightening reality — how to keep her family financially afloat while she fights to get better.
Shelli has always worked hard to provide for her family and would be one of the first people to help someone else in need. Now, she needs that same kindness returned to her.
Her short- and long-term disability benefits and FMLA, are now leaving her without her regular income during months of intensive treatment. The bills, however, don’t stop. Mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, and medical expenses continue even when you are too sick to work.
Our hope is to take some of that worry off Shelli’s shoulders so she can spend her energy where it belongs — fighting cancer, healing, and being there for her children.
How Shelli Got Here
In June 2026, Shelli’s life changed in a way none of us could have imagined.
Shelli has spent her life raising her two children here in Williston. Her daughter, Faith, is a junior in high school, and her 24-year-old son, Christian, lives locally as well. Shelli’s parents are elderly and live in Colorado, so her children, friends, and local family are her support system here at home.
This journey actually began nearly a year ago.
In July 2025, Shelli underwent a colonoscopy that came back negative for cancer, although hemorrhoids were noted. When she began experiencing bleeding, she saw her primary care physician in February 2026. The doctor wanted Shelli to have another colonoscopy, but unfortunately, her insurance denied it. She was instead referred to a general surgeon for what was believed to be hemorrhoids.
After multiple cancellations because the surgeon was unable to come to Williston — and waiting several weeks each time to reschedule — Shelli was finally able to meet with him. He felt there was more going on than hemorrhoids and scheduled surgery for July 23, including a colonoscopy to investigate further.
But Shelli never made it to that surgery date.
In the early morning hours of June 25, Shelli called a close friend, terrified. She was hemorrhaging and had lost a significant amount of blood. Within about 20 minutes, she was on her way to the emergency room.
The local hospital determined that she needed to be transported to Minot because they did not have the equipment necessary to stop the bleeding.
Once in Minot, Shelli underwent a colonoscopy and examination to determine the source of the bleeding. During the procedure, doctors discovered a mass believed to be basaloid squamous cell carcinoma. The diagnosis was later confirmed.
Shelli spent five days in the hospital and was quickly connected with oncology.
After meeting with oncology in Minot, Shelli learned that the Leonard P. Nelson Cancer Center in Williston had an oncologist, Dr. Rodrigo Erlich, who came from Baltimore and had extensive experience with this specific cancer. He was able to offer Shelli a treatment approach that he felt would give her a strong opportunity to fight the cancer while being easier on her body.
Shelli chose to stay close to home for treatment. She is also working with Dr. Grant, a radiation oncologist from Minot who travels to Williston.
Shelli began radiation treatments on July 27 and oral chemotherapy on July 29. She has also received chemotherapy through her port along with immunotherapy.
She has a long road ahead of her, but Shelli is fighting.
And right now, she shouldn’t have to fight two battles at once.
How You Can Help
Any money raised will help Shelli and her family with everyday living expenses, medical and treatment-related costs, transportation, groceries, household bills, and other expenses that come with being unable to work during this long treatment process.
We would be incredibly grateful for any assistance, resources, connections, or direction you may be able to provide to Shelli and her family.
If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. Every dollar can help ease a little of the financial pressure Shelli is carrying.
If you aren’t able to donate, sharing this fundraiser can be just as meaningful. You never know who might see it, who might know of a resource that could help, or who might simply be willing to stand beside Shelli and her family.
Most importantly, please keep Shelli in your thoughts and prayers as she continues this fight.
Let’s surround Shelli with the same love and support she has spent so many years giving to the people around her. Let’s help take some of the financial weight off her shoulders so she can focus on what matters most — fighting cancer and getting back home to her family.
❤️ Thank you for loving Shelli, supporting her, praying for her, sharing her story, and standing beside her during one of the hardest chapters of her life.
