Help Maryann Stay Strong: Breast Cancer Journey

UPDATE: MARYANN IS ALMOST DONE CHEMO, AND WILL START RADIATION A FEW WEEKS AFTER.

(Photos taken one year apart... Second one is after chemo.)

Her tumor, removed at the end of August, was invasive ductal carcinoma. Stage 2a, Grade 3 (most aggressive tumor grade), Estrogen and progesterone positive and HER2 negative. The cancer did reach one lymph node; hence the need for chemo in addition to radiation.

In September just before starting chemo, her mother in NJ also passed away unexpectedly from a stroke.

Maryann is keeping her spirits up with her goofball kids and cat, and other loved ones, her beloved "gang of idiots" at karaoke (she says this lovingly, as they are fun and entertaining!), her longtime friends from all over that she keeps in touch with online, and her very supportive coworkers.

Oh... and wigs (and false eyelashes and brow pencil!). One gorgeous wig that looks close to her curls before losing it (although shorter and kinda huge!) and others that look like styles she's had through the years. Not the 80s mullet though... not going back there!

Do you know Maryann? Let me tell you a little about my amazing friend, Maryann Treppiedi Jacobs. For those of you who know her, you know she sparkles - energy everywhere, a vibrant and beautiful lover of adventure, laughter, smiles and song, she is a devoted mother of two wonderful young ladies and just about the absolute funniest, most resourceful and loyal of friends! She does so much, all the time, every day, for all in her life who depend on her for so many things, yet she always has the energy to share her love of music with her community of friends.

In August, Maryann was diagnosed with breast cancer.

In her own words: Got my biopsy results, and I do have breast cancer. And I know most people wouldn’t ever post something like this publicly on social media, but by now, those who know me best know that I am NOT most people! It’s invasive ductal carcinoma, a 2 cm mass. Nothing found in the .6 cm mass or (weirdly) the swollen lymph node they also biopsied. [The lymph node was actually found to be cancerous later when it was removed during lumpectomy surgery.] I don't know anything else yet at this point, don’t know stage, or if it’s hormone-positive or if I have a genetic mutation that may have predisposed me to this - but I'm taking one day at a time.

Maryann's journey with managing, and eradicating, her breast cancer is moving forward. Those of you who know her know, Maryann does not sit still for long and she without question has the courage and strength to take on any challenge.

Her family and friends are, of course, greatly concerned, but extremely optimistic that she will champion through this challenging time! Her effervescence and boldness are her greatest weapons! Unfortunately, her journey is already bringing forward medical bills and financial worries for Maryann and her beautiful family.

Maryann hopes to keep up with her work schedule during her medical care and treatment without interruption, which includes surgery, but worries about what she will owe on her health insurance deductible (over 2023 and 2024) cutting into an already tight budget. Everything on the horizon is already causing concern and stress in an already stressful situation. Her smiles, humor and boundless energy hide the exhaustion, anxiety and worries she carries at this time. I am hoping that, as a community of friends and family, as people who know and love Maryann, we can lessen, even just a bit, her worries a little.

Please ... if you know Maryann, and if you KNOW her you LOVE her, please consider helping Maryann during this difficult time. Thank you!!!!! Thank you!!!!! Thank you!!!!! #WeLOVEMaryann