I am Shyya Combs, and I was diagnosed with ER+ PR+ HER2- Stage 1 IDC Breast Cancer on December 24, 2024.  This was devastating news for me and my family.  As a single mother of one daughter that just entered her freshman year of college, we definitely weren't expecting this to happen. I was just beginning to enjoy being an empty nester and my new normal, when a NEWER normal was thrust upon me. It has been a rollercoaster of ups and downs, highs and lows ever since. 

As an educational professional, navigating the challenges of work life balance with this diagnosis has been extremely difficult and stressful. With trying to function under the emotional, mental, and physical strain of my diagnosis and treatment while working, the financial strain only complied with the pressures and worry. 

I was working while receiving chemotherapy treatment, but prior to that I was out for 6 weeks and missed 30 days of pay. The short-term disability I received after the 30-day elimination period was not retroactive and was only about 2 weeks of pay from when I returned back to work after post opt surgery recovery (6 weeks) at 75% of my pay based on contracted days' work.  I also used all my PTO time from the time of my diagnosis and owed time back. 

My income is being reduced by the PTO time I owe to my work through September therefore my income has been significantly reduced as a result.  As an educator we have the option to have our salaries divided to be paid during the summer, and now my summer pay is less than it should be as result of my diagnosis. 

I feel as though I am being punished for something that happened to me beyond my control.  I just received my final pay that included full time and STD days worked (I will not be receiving STD over the summer), my summer pay will not be anything close to what it would've been prior to my diagnosis.  I need assistance and donations, especially since I will be having treatment throughout the summer and my daughter is my caregiver. She will be returning to school in August we need all the help we can get to survive through the summer until I return to work in late August.  

We will be so appreciative of those that chose to donate to my campaign. Thank you.