Help Kirstie battle the next phase of cancer

Hi there,

My name is Molly and I am Kirstie's little sister. When my sister was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer in 2018, she told me to prepare myself because this cancer of hers was not just hers. It would affect everyone around her, especially those closest to her. I told her I was ready to fight right along with her. It's been 5 years and Kirstie is still fighting. Her family is still fighting along with her.

For anyone who has been through a terminal cancer diagnosis with someone you love, you know it takes a village. So now, I am reaching out to the greater village and asking you to consider helping Kirstie as she goes through this next stage. She can no longer work and needs help with bills, groceries, and day-to-day essentials.

I asked her to write a few paragraphs. Here's what she wants you to know:

Hello, my name is Kirstie Olson and I’m in a battle ME vs STAGE IV CANCER.

I thought 2004-2005 were difficult years. I turned 40, scheduled my mammogram, and walked out with breast cancer. Seems now, like cancer’s ugly face was just getting warmed up for the main event.

Being cancer free for fifteen years was a joy and a miracle. It took three years for me to heal physically, and the next ten to heal mentally.

Then, the summer of 2018 brought pain. The pain led to two misdiagnoses before the right radiologist read the MRI. Stage IV metastatic breast cancer recurrence, soft tissue and bone. For the past five years, my abdominal aorta, ribs, and spleen have been the stars of the show. Earlier this year my liver, left ureter, and spleen joined the cancer party.

Here’s my point. I’m getting whacked pretty good. In the past five years I’ve swallowed down two of the most progressive, targeted chemotherapy drugs available. I’m now I'm on my third drug because cancer is an asshat.

I am a teacher. I am a teacher who has not been able to work with kids since December. I now wear a NEPHROSTOMY tube from my left kidney out to a drainage bag. I’ve been hospitalized twice in the past two months for high fevers. Damn. What an ordeal.

All disease aside, here I am. One of three amazing sisters. A daughter to my parents, a mom to my two kids, a "Grandma Girl" to my grandkids, a proud Dog Mom to my

Disco Dog, and a friend to all who’ll have me.

Cancer chick? Yes.

Wearing down a bit? Maybe.

Victim? Never.

My heart is so grateful for all of the love, prayers, light, and kind thoughts. Because at the end of the day, “Love is the Answer.”

Love,

Kirstie