Support Kiersten Rapplean's Fight Against Breast Cancer

Help My Fight Against Stage 4 Breast Cancer: A Mother’s Journey

My name is Kiersten Rapplean, and I’m a 32-year-old mother of two wonderful boys—Emmett, 2.5 years old, and our newborn, Travis. In February, while 29 weeks pregnant with Travis, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 ER/PR negative HER2 positive inflammatory invasive ductal carcinoma. This news was especially challenging as I was about to welcome our second son.

I began two rounds of AC chemotherapy while pregnant, and on March 25th—one day after my birthday—I was induced at 36 weeks and 1 day. Travis was born that day at 6 lbs 8 oz and 19.75 inches. Though he spent 17 days in the NICU needing additional lung support, he is now a strong, thriving, and happy, smiley baby. The day after his birth, I got the scans I couldn’t receive while pregnant—this determined my staging. And then just three days after his birth, I started targeted chemotherapy for my specific type of cancer. I completed five rounds of TCHP chemotherapy by June 20th and had a double mastectomy on July 11th.

Currently, I’m receiving immunotherapy infusions every three weeks. Despite being told that my cancer is incurable, I am determined to fight aggressively. I want to play offense, not defense, in this battle. Even though I’m in a good place today, it’s my hope that one day I will no longer need these immunotherapy infusions because the integrative approach will have worked and be sufficient. The integrative treatments I am pursuing will help eliminate any remaining cancer cells, change the terrain of my body to prevent cancer from thriving, and address the root causes of my illness.

I did extensive research and chose the Cancer Center for Healing in Irvine, CA because of its renowned integrative approach. They are the #1 integrative cancer clinic in North America. Dr. Connealy is the medical director out there—she is extremely impressive. This clinic offers comprehensive care that combines conventional and alternative treatments, focusing not only on eliminating cancer but also on improving overall health to prevent its return. I will be staying at the clinic for 4-8 weeks, (with future follow-ups needed), receiving treatments every day from Monday through Friday, 6-8 hours a day. This intensive, cutting-edge treatment schedule is why the costs are so high. I’m choosing to go in January so I can be home for the holidays with my boys, and then be back in Missouri in time for Travis’s first birthday.

Upon my return from California, I will continue with integrative treatments here in Missouri. These treatments will follow the protocol provided by the CA clinic but will be carried out locally, which is a significant advantage for me and my family. However, like the treatments in California, these local treatments are also out-of-pocket expenses. (I’ll actually be starting up at this local clinic in a week or so, to get a head start prior to my stay in CA). The financial burden is considerable, but it is crucial for maintaining the care plan necessary for my ongoing health.

This GoFundMe campaign is a vital part of my fight. Your support will help cover these essential expenses, allowing me to focus on my health and my family without the overwhelming stress of financial strain. Every donation, no matter how small, brings me one step closer to overcoming this disease and being present for my children as they grow up.

Some of our family and friends have already been incredibly generous, providing meals, cleaning our home, caring for our children, donating breastmilk, buying shirts/bracelets, donating money… If you have already helped us in these ways, we are deeply grateful and would ask only that you continue to share our story.

If my story has found you and you choose to donate, please know that every penny will be used with the utmost care and dedication. You will be directly contributing to my path to healing, and I will be eternally grateful for your support. Your generosity will be a crucial part of my journey towards recovery, will help ensure that I am healthy and present for my loved ones for years (decades!) to come, and your kindness will never be forgotten.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your compassion and support. Every day, I imagine the joy of watching my boys grow up, celebrating their milestones, and being there to support them through every challenge life brings. I pray about the simple, precious moments—like bedtime stories, birthday parties, and spontaneous hugs—that make life beautiful. The thought of missing these moments is unbearable to me. Your donation isn't just helping with medical expenses; it's giving me the chance to be there for every laugh, every tear, and every cherished memory with my family. Your kindness will directly impact my ability to stay strong and present. Please help me fight for a future filled with love, laughter, and the priceless gift of watching my children grow.