Imagine being 35 years old, a mother of two young children, and hearing the words no one ever wants to hear—‘You have breast cancer.’ This is the reality my dear friend and co-worker Sam Schwarz is facing, and she needs our help.
My name is Heather Gelhausen, and I have known Sam for over 12 years. She is one of the most genuine, authentic people I know who has a big heart and now needs us. She’s also one of the most stubborn people I know, so she would never ask for anything on her own.
A few months ago, her world turned upside down when one of the most dreaded things could have happened, and she discovered a lump in her right breast. She went through every test and every appointment with a positive outlook that this would just be a small bump in the road and she’d be able to put this behind her. Unfortunately, after all the waiting and all the testing, she was given the news that at 35 years old, she has breast cancer.
Fast forward to present day, after a double mastectomy, removal of six lymph nodes, and more testing, she again received terrible news that the cancer spread to her lymph nodes and was upgraded to Stage 2 breast cancer. Starting June 20th, she will continue her fight and begin roughly a 20-week chemo treatment plan, followed by 4 weeks of radiation with a final reconstructive surgery later next year.
This is where Sam needs our help. This journey has already had a significant cost with more to come, and hopefully, what we raise here can ease some stress from her and her family. The funds will be used towards the cold cap therapy she’s hoping will save her hair, DoorDash deliveries for her and the family when she’s not having a good day or time is tight, fuel for the added trips to the hospital, and the list goes on. Ultimately, it will help her and her family have some peace of mind and focus on what truly matters, spending time together.
Please consider donating, sharing, and spreading the word. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference. If you’re unable to donate, simply sharing Sam’s story or sending her words of encouragement can lift her spirits and remind her she’s not alone.
