Support Kristin's Battle Against Stage 3 Breast Cancer

My name is Ashlee, and I’m creating this page on behalf of my dear sister-in-law Kristin and my brother Tim— two of the most selfless and loving people I know. Our family’s world was turned upside down on May 14, 2024, when Kristin, just 34 years old, was diagnosed with stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), triple positive breast cancer. After enduring the agonizing wait for results from weeks of scans and biopsies, she started chemotherapy treatment in July, which will continue through October. The shock and heartache of this diagnosis have been overwhelming, especially as Kristin and Tim are raising their two little ones, Logan (4) and Emma (1).

 

Kristin’s Treatment Plan

 

Kristin is now undergoing intense treatment, managed by some of the top doctors in the world at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center in Baltimore. She has completed four out of six chemotherapy treatments, but she still has a long road ahead. This includes continued, targeted hormone and HER2+ treatments, mastectomy surgery later this year, and radiation treatments next year.

 

Kristin has shown so much strength, digging deep and giving it her all, even on the darkest days. I know she has been incredibly moved by all the love and support that has poured in, lifting her spirits each day. At her most recent appointment after chemo #3 the oncologist said that she couldn’t feel the original mass, or the non-mass enhancement, both of which were so obvious to Kristin at the start of everything. This is such incredible news and means the treatment is working!

 

Our Family and Friends Rally

 

The past few months have been the hardest we’ve ever faced as a family. As young parents, their thoughts are always with their children, prioritizing their well-being over everything else. Our families have been taking shifts, traveling weekly to Maryland to rally and support them in every way we can. It’s so important to us that we try to help maintain any sense of normalcy throughout the chaos of it all.

 

I remember someone once telling me, "Sometimes you’re the one offering a hand, and other times you’re the one reaching for it." Those words have never felt truer. As the medical bills quickly added up, and friends and family began asking how they could help, I suggested starting a GoFundMe.

 

My brother, prideful as ever, of course hesitated. Forever insisting that they are fortunate to have good jobs, the last thing they want to do is ask for money, as that should go to those in greater need. But the financial burden of treatments has been unexpected, even with medical insurance. We realize so many people wish they could help in some way and this is one of the limited ways they are able to, especially from a distance.

 

Recently, a good friend shared that whether it’s physically or financially, she personally feels so good when she can help somebody out. That not only does it help the person in need, but she gets such a sense of happiness and fulfillment from it as well.

 

Asking for Help

 

So, I figured it was time to set pride aside and, with a humble heart, ask for your support whether that’s through prayers, donations, or even a simple card. Donations will help cover the out-of-pocket medical expenses for Kristin’s treatment and the many unexpected costs that continue to arise. Additionally, any extra funds will go towards providing nutritious, home-cooked meals and anything else that will help maintain a sense of normalcy and stability for Kristin, Tim, and their children.

 

This will be a long and difficult road ahead, but with your help, we can ease some of the burden and reduce the stress that comes with it. Every contribution will make a significant difference and allow Kristin and Tim to focus on what truly matters—Kristin’s healing and their family’s well-being.

 

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your generosity, prayers, and support during this challenging time. Kristin and Tim feel incredibly blessed by the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, coworkers, and their church community. We will be sharing their updates on this page regularly.