Support Connie's Fight Against Stage 4 Cancer

My name is Kristin Smith, and I’m writing this with a heavy heart on the behalf of my mother Connie Smith.

In late 2022, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. It was unexpected and devastating—especially after receiving a clear mammogram just 6 months earlier. It was tough news but remained hopeful with a great team of doctors at the University of Madison Wisconsin. We made a plan, and she started her journey.

Throughout 2023, she went through intense treatments: Weekly IV chemotherapy for 6 months, a mastectomy, everyday radiation, and even tried oral chemo. Not all treatments went as planned—her body had a hard time handling some of the medications, and she had some stays int he hospital—but she never stopped fighting. She stayed positive. She kept working full-time. She made the best of every moment.

By early 2024 her scans finally came back clear. It felt like we could finally breathe. She scheduled her second mastectomy and reconstructive surgery for April 2024. During her recovery, she started having trouble breathing—and we received the heartbreaking news that the cancer had returned. It had spread to her lungs, and she was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.

We were told she might have 10 months to 3 years. Now, nearly a year later in April 2025, the cancer has spread to her bones and most recently we learned this week... her brain.

It’s hard to put into words how much my mom means to me. She's a wonderful mother, grandmother, and friend and someone who’s always put others before herself.

As we face this next chapter, I’m doing everything I can to be by her side—while also preparing to welcome a new baby of my own. I’m currently her full-time caregiver and will be taking unpaid time off during my maternity leave. I’ve started this GoFundMe to help cover the cost of that unpaid time, so I can continue caring for her without financial strain.

We don’t expect anything, but if you feel moved to contribute or even just share this, it would mean the world to us. Every bit of support helps, and we are so deeply grateful.

Thank you for reading,

Kristin