Help Chalie Ammons Fight Stage IV Breast Cancer

We set out with the hopes of making this light, witty, maybe a little sarcastic- something Chalie would appreciate instead of absolutely loathe…But there’s no real way to sugarcoat this, and honestly, we’re too tired to even try.

In July, Chalie was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer (left breast invasive ductal carcinoma with axillary and sternal metastases). In layman’s terms, the cancer has spread to her lymph nodes and to her bones. This diagnosis is completely life-altering, and she now faces lifelong treatments and very serious financial burdens while she is on this roller coaster ride called life with cancer. Her oncologist has her on a very aggressive 20-week chemotherapy treatment plan (dose dense ACP). At the time of writing this, she has completed 2 sessions of chemotherapy and is slated for 8 more sessions with 12 sessions to follow that. Depending on her response to chemotherapy, they will decide whether or not she is to undergo radiation and/or mastectomy.

This has been a devastating blow as Chalie is only 37 years old and the mother to 2 wonderful girls. Chalie’s eldest daughter, Charlie Mae or “Bird” is 15 years old and currently learning how to drive (kinda). She plays tennis on her high school team. Chalie’s youngest daughter, Ziya, is 10 years old. Ziya loves playing sports, making films, and has plans to begin singing lessons soon.

Unfortunately, due to the debilitating side effects of the medications and aggressive chemotherapy treatments, Chalie has only been able to work a mere fraction of her normal workload.

Chalie is an amazing Dog Groomer who has worked in the Chicagoland area for over 15 years. She is well known for her attention to detail and loving care for the dogs. Clients are drawn to Chalie for her genuine and relatable attitude. Anyone who has worked with Chalie knows she is the first to lend a hand to a coworker in need of help. She is a hard worker who loves her job and is entirely dedicated to her craft, the animals she cares for, and the people she works with.

Right now, Chalie is a mobile groomer. While that gives her freedom and a uniquely personal experience for her loyal and understanding regulars, she is completely alone throughout her workday at a job that requires her to be able to lift, bathe, and groom dogs weighing upwards of 70 pounds. Being a groomer is rewarding but also very physically demanding and labor intensive, making it less than ideal for someone battling cancer. While Chalie is hopeful she will be able to continue working a portion of her regular schedule throughout chemotherapy, her sisters are preparing for a world in which that is not possible.

We’d like Chalie to be able to focus on her mental and physical well-being without the additional overwhelm of medical bills and day-to-day living expenses for herself and her 2 daughters.

If you know Chalie, she’s probably silently done you a solid more than once. A sober ride home, picked up your kids, paid for your food, groomed your dog, offered you her couch, accompanied you to a concert. She is inherently a momma bear, a caretaker, a loving sister, and a fantastic friend. Chalie is fiercely independent and is not one to ask for help which is where we come in. We know this will not only be a physically exhausting journey but a mentally exhausting one as well as she begrudgingly accepts help from the people who love her.

Any amount you can donate will be beyond helpful and very appreciated!