I was diagnosed at age 42, on Aug 29, 2022, with Stage 4 Inflammatory Breast Cancer.  At the time of diagnosis, I had symptoms for only about 3 weeks. It was so fast and devastating to our family.  They told me I had a tumor in my breast, lymph nodes, 5 on my spine, and over 20 in my liver (they stopped counting at 20).

I began chemo right away, and I did very much improve.  Until March 2023.  I had my first progression - and was immediately put on a different chemo treatment. That lasted about 1.5 years just keeping me stable, and at the end of 2024 I went into another progression.  I started a different chemo treatment in March 2025. 

It seemed like it would work, I was hopeful it would, but I started having severe complications in October 2025, brought on by chemotherapy.  I had endless doctor visits and procedures, a very long hospital stay with several blood transfusions, and what would turn out to be about 4 months "in the bed".  I literally couldn't get out of the bed, I was too weak and sick.  Unfortunately, I went into another progression in December 2025 and I have recently started a different chemo last month.  I am hopeful I will have good luck with this one. 

The side effects of all these chemo treatments for the past 4 years (almost 4, seems like 10 lol), has taken a terrible toll on my body.  I can feel myself loosing strength, my body changing appearance (not in a good way).... as the months go by.

At the time of my diagnosis, my daughters were 2 and 5.  My husband and I have been through so much.  Needless to say it hasn't been easy.  My main focus, and goal, throughout this experience, has been and will always be shielding my children as much as possible from the "sick" mom.  We went from weekend trips to the mall or a sports park, to everyday visits with sick mom in bed. No child should have to witness their parent going through this.  My heart absolutely breaks for them.  My wish is that 2026 will be full of fun times, laughter, and endless smiles. Receiving these funds would mean the world to us, allowing me to spend quality time with my girls, without the worry of our financial burdens.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  - Heather Wells