Taryn's Cancer Warriors

WHO AM I AND WHY AM I INVOLVED

My name is Holly, and Taryn Quayle and her husband, Nick, are two of my dearest friends on earth. When Taryn told me she felt a lump in her breast, to be honest, I tried to not overthink it. Then the call came. The results were in. My best friend has been diagnosed with HER2 Positive Invasive Mammary Carcinoma.

THE LAST 2 YEARS

Nick and Taryn were married in September of 2019 in Glacier National Park, their favorite place in the world. In May of 2020, Nick lost his job teaching film at Montana Tech. Less than a year later, Nick was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder called Wegener's Disease. The treatment to suppress his immune system is lifelong and includes chemotherapy. Just ONE MONTH later, Taryn lost her job as Director of Student Success at Montana Tech, as they dissolved the position. They faced seemingly insurmountable challenges just with all of this happening.

Then the next ball dropped. At 35 years young, Taryn was diagnosed with cancer, and began the fight for her life. Her treatment includes 22 weeks of chemo, surgery then finishing with radiation. I still have a hard time grasping that they are both undergoing chemo.

THE HARD TRUTH

Medicaid covers some medical expenses, but it does not pay their other bills, nor other healing therapies, or even fuel to drive somewhere to catch their breath...away from the reminders of how sick they both are. It cannot pay for them to eat, it doesn't cover rent, and it can't replace their incomes. There is also a catch-22 if either of them work too much as they will lose their medical coverage. They simply cannot afford to do that.

WHO IS TARYN?

Taryn has always been a huge part of her community as a dancer, teacher and mentor. She absolutely LOVES working with kids…and they love her! However, she is now so weak that it's difficult to remember having a strong body that danced, taught and played. Taryn and Nick have helped house, and even provide food and necessities to students in need. When my Grandma passed away, she dropped everything to be with me. She helped me through one of the darkest times in my life. This is who she is. She has given so much to others, and is very much deserving of support from her friends, family and community, as well as generous benefactors not connected to this wonderful couple.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Over 60% of bankruptcies are due to medical costs, and of that 60%, 72% of them had insurance. For those of us in abundance of any amount, be it $5 or $5,000, this help would change what the next year really looks like for Nick and Taryn.

Financial strain causes unneeded stress, and the need to cut corners with healthcare and healing services. Taryn’s job right now is to complete her treatments, rest and heal. You can help with a one time donation, or consider a sustaining monthly donation. If you are interested in donating outside of this GoFundMe, please reach out to Taryn directly or message us here. All funds donated will be allocated to necessities, housing, fuel and medical needs.

I want to thank all of you, in advance, for your thoughtful gifts of support. If I could, I would give everything I have, but it still wouldn't be enough. We will keep you all updated on how your generosity is helping Taryn through this journey, and share her challenges and triumphs!!! I might even throw in random photos of all of our shenanigans to remind all of us that Taryn is so much more than her cancer.

Taryn has asked that I be the beneficiary for the GoFundMe campaign and funnel her money as needed. Naming me the beneficiary eliminates the financial task and stress for Taryn. The funds raised will be used to help Taryn and Nick pay for travel for her infusion treatments, surgery, and radiation. The money will also help pay for other medical expenses, therapy treatments (lymphatic massage, reflexology, etc.), and various other bills.

With Love, Hope and Gratitude,

Holly