Brooke's Breast cancer Battle

As many of you know- I have been supporting my sister-in-law the past few months as her worst nightmare came true. If you don't know- please read Brooke's story-

On April 6th, just 4 days shy of her 39th birthday, Brooke discovered a lump in her right breast and subsequently a lime sized mass. After 15 grueling days of uncertainty consisting of blood tests, a mammogram, an ultrasound, and a biopsy, it was confirmed. Brooke has cancer.

On April 21, 2023, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma breast cancer. She has 2 young children, a supportive husband, and countless family and friends to continue making memories with. I am so humbled by the strength and positive attitude Brooke has portrayed throughout this battle. She has vowed to fight like the sassy (and there's alot;) Italian Camillo she is.

With that comes finding humor in the chaos. The mass, whom she not so lovingly refers to as Stewart, came to fight. Despite starting chemo, cell multiplication is rapidly occurring, meaning Stewart has the potential to be very aggressive, but Brooke came to fight too, and Stewart picked the wrong person to mess with.

With the guidance from an amazing medical team, Brooke's treatment plan is mapped out for the year ahead. Treatment will entail 20 exhausting weeks of chemo, followed by surgery to evict Stewart, and then 30 days of radiation. Brooke had a port surgically placed in late May and her chemo journey officially started on the 8th of June. If all goes as planned, she will have surgery in December to remove what is left of the mass. At that time, they will also remove lymph nodes for biopsy. If cancer is found in the nodes, she will undergo a second surgery. In early February Brooke will start extensive radiation. We all pray things will only deescalate from there on and after, and she can kiss her medical port and Stewart goodbye, forever.

Brooke has remained dedicated to her company by continuing to work throughout this entire process. It’s not uncommon to have her laptop out during chemo treatments. Brooke is insured and has a savings, but those funds are depleting, quickly. In just 5 months, Brooke has paid thousands of dollars out of pocket in deductibles, copays, and medications. Unfortunately, these deductibles, copays and medications won’t stop anytime soon. She has forfeited most 401k contributions for the time being, as well her paid time off.

Please join me in supporting the person who so often has been a source of support in many of our lives. 100% of donations will support Brooke and her family as they face years of copays, deductibles, and medications.

I ask you to consider a financial contribution to help cushion life’s curve balls. If you cannot donate, we ask you to send good juju, support, love or simply share this post. Anything and everything is greatly appreciated!