Help Support Kim's Battle With Triple Negative Breast Cancer

I never imagined I'd be in this position, but life has taken an unfortunate turn, and I am finding it necessary to reach out for help.

My Diagnosis

In July 2024 I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), Stage IIB. TNBC is a very aggressive subtype of breast cancer that often develops as a result of a genetic mutation (in my case, PALB2). It tends to spread quickly and has a higher recurrence rate than other types of breast cancer. It also does not respond to hormonal therapy like other subtypes, so the best option for treating it is a very intensive and lengthy treatment plan consisting of a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, radiation and targeted therapy. Unfortunately, the prognosis for TNBC patients is worse than with other subtypes. 60% of TNBC patients will live more than 5 years after diagnosis, however 40% will have their cancer come back quickly (within a year or 2).

Current Status

On a more positive note, I’m happy to say that last week, I reached an important milestone -- I just passed the halfway point in beating this… My last chemo infusion was on February 18, and I have been resting and recovering since then, preparing my mind and body for surgery in late March. It’s hard to believe it has been 7 months since I first received the shocking news of my diagnosis, and even after all of this time, it still doesn't feel real to me. A cancer diagnosis definitely makes you feel alone regardless of how much care and support you have from others. Unless you have gone through it, it’s hard to understand how isolating it feels. Still, I’m doing everything I can to keep a positive outlook and not dwell on what-ifs… After all, hope is stronger than fear.

Debilitating Side Effects

I’ve been dealing with a number of really awful side effects from chemotherapy, and because of the severity of these symptoms, I have not been able to work. In August I took a leave of absence from my job as a Delivery Driver at UPS and went on short term disability. I am grateful to have had this benefit available to me, but unfortunately the pay was less than half what I would have made if I was working full time. Those short term disability benefits have been exhausted as of mid February, and my medical bills and expenses keep piling up. I applied for long term disability in early January, and I'm still waiting for my application to go through.

Out of Options

As hard as it is for me to admit, I'm stuck and I need to ask for help. I have decided to launch this GoFundMe fundraiser as a desperate last resort… People that are closest to me know that I am very independent and prefer to solve my own problems which is why it has taken me so long to launch this fundraiser. Asking for donations is outside of my comfort zone, as I know many people are going through their own financial troubles. However, if you are able to make a donation to help me out, I would appreciate it very much. It’s safe to donate via the GoFundMe page, and any amount would mean the world to me and will make an impact, not only on my finances, but on my overall outlook and optimism about my future, too.

Spread the Word

Please consider sharing this fundraiser on social media. It costs nothing and is an easy way to make a big impact. I would appreciate it!

Thank You

As I prepare to send this out to the world, I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have reached out to me to show love and support in so many different ways… phone calls, care packages, meal trains, little gifts in the mail, loaning me your dogs (so I could go on walks with them and get some exercise!) or even just checking in via social media messaging apps… All of these things have been helping me get through this dark time, and I am grateful to have so many awesome people cheering for me. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to say hello! I am strengthened by my connections to others, as it makes this fight seem much more possible.

Thank you,

- Kim