Pregnancy is supposed to be one of the happiest times in a woman’s life. With a two-year-old at home, I was thrilled to be expecting a little girl. Everything was perfect until around 21 weeks, when I found a small mass near my knee. After a month of tests, the biopsy came back benign, and I felt such relief, until another call changed everything. Further testing revealed cancer.

At 26 weeks pregnant, the fear was overwhelming. I needed surgery at 34 weeks and would deliver at 37 weeks by c-section. By the grace of God, my baby tolerated surgery well, but during delivery she struggled and was admitted to the NICU. She spent nearly two weeks there while I recovered from two major surgeries and began preparing for treatment.

I was exhausted, trying to heal, care for my baby, miss my toddler, and face radiation. Then my grandmother-in-law told me about the GRACE Cancer Foundation. Walking into their office in Grand Island felt like finding light in the darkness. Sherri welcomed me with warmth and compassion, explaining everything they could help with. GRACE Cancer Foundation provided gas and grocery cards for my daily trips to radiation, a beautiful quilt for my daughter, and connected me with an incredible nurse practitioner who continues to help me today.

Without GRACE Cancer Foundation, I don’t know how I would have made it through. What began as seeking help became lifelong friendship and support. I am forever grateful to the GRACE Cancer Foundation for being such an important part of my story.

Lisa Woodgate