Kayla Jo Ellis HER2 Positively Beat Breast Cancer

Hi, my name is Elizabeth, and along with an online community of dog lovers (and best friends, HCBF), I am spearheading this page in support of Kayla Jo Ellis. Kayla is the most thoughtful, kind, funniest, loving, and prettiest among us, and she has found herself in the fight of her life.

Last year, after deciding to be proactive with her health, Kayla elected to undergo genetic health testing due to a family history of cancer. Through testing, it was discovered that Kayla did carry certain biomarkers that put her at an elevated risk for developing cancer. Because of this, as well as additional health factors, she opted to have a complete hysterectomy. At 31 years old, Kayla started this year feeling healthier and stronger than she has ever been!

As a routine follow-up post-hysterectomy, Kayla's doctors sent her for a mammogram. After getting concerning results from the mammogram, and being sent for additional testing, Kayla was ultimately diagnosed with HER2 Positive Breast Cancer. I know it was said in the last paragraph, but let me say it again. Kayla is 31 years old. She should be enjoying summer laying by the pool and hanging out with her friends.

Instead, Kayla bravely started her fight with cancer with the surgical placement of a chemotherapy port and had her first infusion last week. She also started cold capping - a therapy that works to reduce or eliminate the hair loss side effect from chemotherapy. The plan is for Kayla to have 6 months of chemotherapy infusions, then a double mastectomy and reconstruction, followed by 6 additional months of chemotherapy.

Kayla has already spent way too much energy fighting with insurance to get her care covered, energy that would be better spent fighting the cancer she is facing. While she has not asked for financial help, we as her friends are looking to step into the gap before Kayla even realizes it is there. Our goal is to take some of the stress off her shoulders. Will you help us?

Cancer is a tough fight, even for the strongest of people like Kayla. Kayla is a single dog (and cat) mahm, and while she is an extremely hard worker, paid time off from work will be used up quickly. Help us help Kayla by eliminating some of the financial burden, which would allow her to truly listen to and respect her body during this road to recovery by staying home from work to rest when she needs to.

We are so thankful for any amount you might be willing to share to help her in this fight. If all you can offer at this time are prayers and good vibes, that is okay too, and we thank you. If all you can do is share this post, thank you! Even if seeing this post stirs up in you a desire to call your doctor and be proactive with your health - then even that has helped to spread some good in this world.