A diagnosis of Metastatic IBC is overwhelming with
Shock, Fear & Despair.
So often the moments that change our lives come out of nowhere.
For me that day was 08.08.14. At age 36, I received the devastating news that I had Stage IV Metastatic Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). IBC is a rare & aggressive form of breast cancer that isn't detectable until Stage III or IV & comes with a poor prognosis.
I was overwhelmed.
My thoughts were paralyzed with painful questions like:
How much time do I have?
How will I cope with side effects?
What will my quality of life be like?
How will my family get through this?
How will I ever get through this?
An incredible oncology team helped me navigate treatment options.
I initially fought IBC with intensive weekly chemotherapy followed by treatment every 21-days. My oncology team provided continued care as IBC proved its aggressiveness over the years with metastases in the liver, brain & spine as well as local recurrences.
Each treatment brought about difficult side effects as well as other mental, physical & spiritual challenges that threatened my quality of life.
I couldn't endure lifelong treatment without learning to thrive.
Fortunately programs exist that provide guidance & support to patients that can dramatically increase the quality of life for someone who will be in cancer treatment indefinitely. However, many of these wellness therapies are not covered by insurance which can add a significant financial burden during an already overwhelming time.
When I started researching the benefits of integrative oncology, my hospital serendipitously received a grant that gifted trial appointments with its programs.
These initial appointments empowered & inspired me.
Connecting with functional nutritionists, integrative doctors, cancer therapists & other wellness professionals put me on a new path of healing and empowerment. These opportunities created habits that have continued to this day to increase my physical, emotional & mental health.
I have witnessed firsthand a need for these programs to become more accessible to others. MBC patients are facing the hardest journey of their lives & should be able to seek their best quality of life. When I reached a milestone not granted to many with metastatic IBC, thriving 5 years after diagnosis, I felt a strong calling to give back to the Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) community.
ROOTS & WINGS Charitable Foundation
ROOTS & WINGS was created with that one goal in mind: to provide complimentary appointments with Integrative Oncology Programs. I am humbled & thankful for a phenomenal community of friends, family & medical professionals that has supported turning this into reality.
Please consider a donation as together we have the opportunity to help MBC patients on their journey to become thrivers. Your generous support makes this possible. I am forever grateful for your support!
Please Consider a Donation Today
Your donation to ROOTS & WINGS allows us to assist those who are facing the hardest journey of their lives.
Together we have the opportunity to improve the quality of life for MBC patients without additional financial burden.
Even the smallest amount will make a difference in helping MBC patients to become thrivers.
We are forever grateful for your support!