The Willis Family
Our Story
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
Family Updates
Lately, I’ve been feeling blah. After my 7th round of chemo and the white blood cell injection, the fatigue and bone pain have been a lot. I may look okay on the outside, but some days I’m screaming on the inside.
I’ve also been isolating myself more. Sometimes I just don’t have the energy to talk or explain what I’m feeling. I’m still trying to process how my chemo can be working and yet my cancer is considered incurable. Some days it honestly feels like I’m dreaming. This can’t be my life.
I am thankful. So incredibly thankful for the people supporting me, praying for me and helping my family through this. But I’m also sad. I’m learning that gratitude and sadness can exist at the same time.
This Friday, I’m going for a second opinion. I’m praying for clarity, answers and maybe some options I haven’t heard yet.
For everyone who has donated, shared my story, prayed for me or simply checked in, thank you. Your support is helping carry me through a season I never imagined I would be living.
I’m still here. Still hopeful. Still fighting. Just taking it one day at a time.