Support Michelle Koester's Fight Against Cancer

"It'll be fine," my mother has always said. No matter the circumstances, she always knew everything would be fine. My mom has always been there for things she loves. She has nursed several friends and family members back to good health, cooked for those in need with her knack for making the best home-cooked meals, and even went as far as bringing sick day-old calves inside our house to nurse them back to life.

I'm Hannah, Michelle's daughter; if you know my mom as I do, then you know she is the most selfless person. In October 2022, she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. After several visits, scans, and tests, she is now confirmed to have Ductal Carcinoma cancer and CHEK2 gene mutation (which puts you at higher risk of cancer returning). The tumor is in her breast and lymph node. She will start chemotherapy on December 19 with four treatments. Following chemo, she will be receiving a bilateral mastectomy. Once she is healed, radiation therapy will begin for apporximentally six weeks daily, followed by breast reconstruction. In total, all treatments will take six months.

Her "it'll be fine" mentality makes her a warrior, and I have no doubts she will win this fight against cancer. The support she has already received from her friends and family has been amazing thus far. We are FOREVER grateful for the love shared.

During the next few months of treatment, I want her to focus on herself and healing. With that, she will be having several out-of-pocket expenditures for treatment at MD Anderson:

-Cold caps to protect against hair loss during Chemo

-Fuel expenses driving 70+ miles to daily appointments

-Loss of wages since she will be going on short-term disability

-Food during doctor appointments since she is often there all-day

Anything will help! If you cannot donate, please feel free to mail a handwritten card for support! Please get a yearly mammogram! Much love, and thank you for taking the time to support my mom, Michelle! Our family will be forever grateful!