At 19 years old, cancer was the last thing I ever expected to hear.

Not long ago, I did something simple that many people are encouraged to do ? a routine self-check. I felt something that didn?t seem right. After bringing it up and going through scans and testing, my life changed with the words no one is ever prepared to hear. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 HER2-positive breast cancer.

In what felt like the blink of an eye, my life went from being focused on school, friends, and my future to doctor appointments, tests, and now chemotherapy. Instead of worrying about exams and normal college life, I?m learning how to fight cancer at just 19 years old.

I am currently a nursing student at SIUE, a proud member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and part of the Student Nursing Association. My passion has always been helping others and giving back to my community. I chose nursing because I wanted to care for people during their hardest moments. I never imagined that so soon, I would become the patient fighting one of the hardest battles of my life.

I now travel to Springfield for treatment, where long days of appointments, chemotherapy, and medical tests are becoming my new normal. While I am determined to fight with everything I have, this journey has come with overwhelming emotional, physical, and financial challenges.

Between medical bills, treatments, travel, and time away from school and work, the costs add up quickly. This fundraiser has been created to help ease some of that burden so I can focus my energy on what matters most right now ? fighting, healing, and staying strong.

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love giving back to others and being involved in my community. It?s incredibly difficult to be in a position where I now need to ask for help. But I?m learning that sometimes strength also means allowing others to stand beside you.

If you are able to donate, share, or simply keep me in your thoughts and prayers, it truly means more than words could ever express. Every bit of support reminds me that I am not fighting this battle alone.

This diagnosis may be part of my journey right now, but it will never define my spirit. I am determined to keep pushing forward, keep believing in brighter days ahead, and keep fighting with everything I have.

Thank you for standing with me during the fight of my life. ?