For 26 years, I built a career that I was proud of. Two years ago, I finally found the courage to leave corporate America and bet on myself. I started Mind the Crown because I wanted to help women choose themselves, set boundaries, and live with intention. I thought that was going to be the hardest decision of my life.

Not long after, my daughter experienced a serious mental health crisis. She had to leave her job, and for the next two years, I helped care for her emotionally, physically, and financially. My dream had to take a back seat because she needed me.

When she finally got to a place where she could begin rebuilding her own life, I felt like it was finally my turn. My business was growing. Doors were opening. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Then, in February 2026, I was diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer. I remember thinking, “Okay, this is going to be hard, but I’ll do chemo, ring the bell, and get back to my life". Instead, after my treatment, my oncologist told me something I never expected to hear. “Chemo for life.” I don’t think anyone is ever prepared for those words.

My husband is still working, and together we’ve done everything we can to keep our household going. We’ve used the retirement savings I spent decades building to pay our mortgage, medical bills, and everyday expenses while I wait for my disability benefits to begin.

Asking for help is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. If you know me, you know I’m usually the one helping someone else. Through Mind the Crown, I’ve spent years encouraging women to believe in themselves and keep going, even when life gets hard. Now I’m learning what it feels like to be on the receiving end of kindness.

Your support will help us keep our home, pay medical bills, and make sure I can continue getting to treatment without draining what remains of my retirement savings. Cancer changed my life, but it hasn’t changed my purpose. I’m still here. I’m still building. I’m still believing there is more life to live. Thank you for reading my story and for walking this journey with me. 

With gratitude, Adrianna Willis