Emilee's Battle with Breast Cancer

On April 17, 2024, just five weeks after the birth of their second daughter (Rhylee), Emilee was diagnosed with breast cancer. Specifically, she has Stage III, triple negative, invasive ductal carcinoma of the right breast with metastasis to the lymph nodes (in her right armpit). She found the lump toward the end of her pregnancy but believed it may have been related to lactation issues. Unfortunately, it grew larger in the following weeks and moved into the lymph nodes. This diagnosis came as a heartbreaking shock to the family as they were still adjusting to and enjoying the addition of their newest family member.

Starting May 10th, Emilee will begin an extremely aggressive chemotherapy regimen for this very fast-growing cancer. During this chemotherapy she can expect to have a severely compromised immune system, feel physically ill, and will lose all of her hair. She will also eventually be getting a complete mastectomy and full lymph node dissection after chemo is finished. Radiation will occur as well after the mastectomy is complete. She is looking at least a year of ongoing treatment, with follow-ups for the rest of her life.

Emilee and Randy live about one hour away (one way) from the hospital in Eugene, Oregon where she will receive her treatments. Throughout chemotherapy she will likely need to travel to the hospital 3-4 times a week. She will be unable to return to work during this treatment. Randy will be able to take some time off work to help Emilee through her treatment, but that will be limited as well.

While Emilee, Randy, and their two daughters, Rhaegan (2) and Rhylee (2 months) remain very positive with this unfortunate diagnosis, they have learned that treatment will be a long and difficult road physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. That is why we, her family, have set up this GoFundMe donation to help alleviate some stress from their lives during this challenging time. Emilee is also strongly advocating for women to take breast lumps and changes very seriously, even during pregnancy and to make sure their voices and concerns for their health are heard!

We are hoping donations to the GoFundMe will help to cover these expenses specifically as well as any additional needs along the way:

• Travel to and from chemotherapy, radiation, follow-up appointments

• Prepared meals, carry-out, groceries

• A custom wig made from Emilee’s actual hair. *For those that know Emilee, you know she has a fantastic head of hair that she has always been very proud of. There are companies that will harvest the healthy hair and create a wig from the owner’s actual hair. Unfortunately, insurance does not cover this cost and the wigs can cost more than $2000. We would love to be able to make this happen for Emilee.

• Travel for Emilee or Randy’s family members to come to Oregon and provide care for the girls when Randy needs to return to work.

• Any medical care not covered by insurance.

The Schilling’s are so thankful for the incredible outpouring of love, support, and encouragement from their family, friends and coworkers and are ready to fight this battle against cancer head on! Thank you for joining us!