Kirsten's Cancer Fund

Kirsten Yinzer is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of Kirsten Zinsser.

Donation protected

Kirsten Zinsser’s life has been changed forever. A 25-year-old, and a beloved first grade teacher at Patrick Henry Elementary School in Arlington, VA, has been diagnosed with Cancer.

On Friday, November 5th, while in the middle of teaching, Kirsten received the phone call that no one ever wants to get. The only words she remembers hearing are, "Unfortunately, your biopsy results came back positive for cancer.” Later that day, a nurse contacted Kirsten and notified her that she has invasive ductal carcinoma Breast Cancer (IDC), which means the cancer has started to spread - her heart was broken. Since hearing this devastating news, her life has been filled with appointments, phone calls and tears.

The following Wednesday, Kirsten met with a team of doctors including a general surgeon, plastic surgeon, oncologist and genetic counselor. Kirsten was told she will be undergoing a double mastectomy in early December, which includes a specialized biopsy to be sure nothing has spread to her lymph nodes. A few weeks after recovering from the surgery, she will undergo fertility treatments to ensure that one day she will be able to have children of her own. Due to her young age, Kirsten's oncologist recommended the most aggressive chemotherapy to treat her cancer. To start 2016, Kirsten will undergo 4 months of chemotherapy. During these months, Kirsten will also be undergoing reconstructive surgery to rebuild the loss the double mastectomy will cause. The medical bills are going to be astounding. Especially for a 25-year-old public school teacher who already has student loans, monthly bills and other expenses. Unfortunately, the Family Medical Leave Act will only ensure 60% of her salary while she is away from work for surgery and chemotherapy.

This is Kirsten’s 4th year and teaching has always been her “dream job”! Caring, enthusiastic, and creative, Kirsten is a talented teacher, and a valued staff member at her National Blue Ribbon school in Arlington, VA. Upon graduation from Penn State University, Kirsten moved from Pittsburgh, PA, to Arlington to teach. Over the last several years, Kirsten has had a full plate. Not only has she been working full time, but she babysits and tutors on the side to make the extra money that she needs to pay her bills. Over the last 2 years, Kirsten even completed her Masters’ Degree in Special Education from George Mason University while teaching and babysitting.
Although Kirsten is afraid of her future, both immediate and long term, she has an astoundingly positive attitude. She is still teaching. Every day. She doesn’t have enough sick days to take off. And she is still worried about her finances.
So, this is where we come in. Kirsten needs our help! We created this GoFundMe page so that everyone we know might donate what they can to help Kirsten beat this. We believe in miracles. Do you?