Support Abby & her family through cancer treatment

We are reaching out on behalf of Abby Tuttle-Shamblin, a very dear friend, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She is facing a double mastectomy, scheduled for July 21st, followed by the possibility of chemotherapy and other potential necessary treatments. The length and extent of additional treatments needed will not be known until after the double mastectomy. This initial surgery itself involves a difficult and lengthy recovery time.

This is an incredibly challenging time for Abby. Last summer Abby faced a series of misdiagnoses over multiple months that contributed to sustained blood loss and severe anemia that necessitated multiple blood transfusions and ultimately an emergency hysterectomy. Her stamina is being challenged as she navigates multiple years of serious health conditions and continues to recover from last summer's sustained illness. On top of that, she and Scott are going through a divorce and while they are trying to support each other, she is navigating her new role single parenting her two children (Thea-11, Matteo-7). In addition to the stress of navigating the immensely flawed US healthcare system, Abby is a self-employed LMFT (Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist), with a private practice, and she now faces significant uncertainty and financial stress due to the reality of needing to be away from work for substantial amounts of time in the coming weeks, and possibly, months.

Contributions will go directly to support Abby's ability to maintain daily life expenses during a time of a drastic reduction in income (without traditional benefits such as sick time, FMLA, or other employer-provided resources), funding for medical bills, and to support her accessing additional healthcare resources. Please know that any amount you can contribute will be deeply appreciated and will directly help provide Abby with the financial means to prioritize her health, to care for her family, as well as the intangible benefit of feeling her community's support.