Stand with Brandy in Her Fight Against Cancer

Hello, we are Alyson Long and Wendy Meeker. We are helping our friend Brandy Hamilton setup an account to help her in her time of need. She has written a description below to help you understand her story and her needs. Please continue reading below for that story.

I have been recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer in February of 2024. I had what they thought was a benign cyst for over a year before they diagnosed me with Breast Cancer. In that time frame the tumor grew to 6cm and has spread to my axillary lymph nodes.

Due to this diagnoses I accepted a position that was offered to me to work remotely but that meant me taking on another position while others took on my regular duties as a Lead Pharmacy Technician at the VA Hospital. This offer really meant a lot to me but it also has become an adjustment as I take pride in my work. I have worked there for going on 4 years in October. While my fellow coworkers/leadership program members have helped me with donated leave to ensure I am getting paid while I am undergoing treatments and being ill from the treatments. This leave has ran out and I feel I have depleted this option.

I live paycheck to paycheck lifestyle as I have a 2 year old daughter to care for during this time. I have a partner that works but it is a startup business and he doesn't get paid if he isn't working. He has helped me through my treatments of taking care of me when I can't and taking care of our daughter.

We are suffering financially as I have depleted any leave thus far. When I take off for Dr appointments, chemotherapy infusions, being ill from treatments etc then I am missing hours which means I am not getting paid. I do accrue annual leave and sick leave but this only covers the day of treatment.

I have been having a lot of reactions to chemotherapy which is my main line of therapy to fight off the type of cancer I have. I actually stopped breathing and was close to having a heart attack with my very first treatment. There has been a long list of other adverse reactions along the way, neuropathy, joint pain, migraines, vertigo, the list goes on...

Due to my illness I have miss A LOT of work. I will miss almost 30 to 40 hours a paycheck lately.

All this being said I am asking for a little help. I know the economy is terrible and everyone seems to he struggling so I understand if a prayer is all you can send. I'll take it! Medical bills are adding up, gas, tolls, along with all the normal bills that come with making a life for yourself.

I have filled out paperwork for financial assistance so we will see how that goes.

I will be completing chemotherapy in 12 weeks and then I will have to make a decision on what type of surgery I will undergo to rid my body of what is left of the cancer. Then I will continue this journey to radiotherapy. I am not certain of how many rounds I will have to complete of that therapy yet. I will know more after surgery as that act as the "clean up" to ensure I become cancer free.

I want to be transparent as I can be and if anyone has any other suggestions I am up for any information given.

Thank you all for your time, prayers, and help in advance. It truly means a lot and I promise this will be passed along to others. I am a true advocate of Breast Cancer Awareness and I document my story as it unfolds so others know they're not alone. This battle is the most difficult thing I have ever had to face. I keep a smile on my face and a positive attitude so I can be here for my family.

My most sincere gratitude!