“The research and money raised by the American Cancer Society allows cancer patients like me to take those extra walks on the beach,”

Brandi finds joy in spending as much time outdoors as possible. Whether she’s kayaking, fishing, riding four-wheelers, sitting around campfires, or visiting the beach, nature has become an important part of her healing journey. “Salty air has helped me heal on my cancer journey,” she says.

From the very beginning of her diagnosis, Brandi created a bucket list that gave her something to look forward to. Along with the love and support of her family and friends, those goals helped carry her through the hardest days. “There have been many ups and downs and very long days that I didn’t feel like getting out of bed,” she shares. “The trips I still wanted to take and the time I still wanted to spend with family kept me going.” So far, she has walked the Outer Banks of North Carolina, taken a private plane ride over Kentucky Lake, and spent time in Key West. But she’s far from finished. “I’m not done with my story or my bucket list. I still have a lot of living to do and beaches to visit.”

Brandi’s cancer journey began in the spring of 2020 after experiencing ongoing digestive complications. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she underwent a colonoscopy that revealed colon cancer. In June 2020, she had surgery to remove the tumor, followed by 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

After ringing the bell to celebrate the completion of treatment, Brandi hoped the worst was behind her. Unfortunately, in the fall of 2021, she was diagnosed with liver cancer and underwent another surgery. Although chemotherapy was not immediately necessary, the cancer returned less than a year later. She completed seven rounds of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before undergoing a second liver surgery in the fall of 2022, followed by 14 weeks of oral chemotherapy. Determined to do everything she could to support her health, Brandi adopted a healthier lifestyle through improved nutrition and regular exercise.

Earlier this year, scans revealed that a growing tumor was pressing against her organs and causing significant discomfort. She began another round of chemotherapy and, as of July 23, had completed her 11th treatment. Today, Brandi knows she will remain on some form of treatment for the rest of her life.

Despite the challenges she continues to face, Brandi remains deeply grateful for the research and advances made possible through the American Cancer Society. “The research and money raised by the American Cancer Society allows cancer patients like me to take those extra walks on the beach,” she says. “If it wasn’t for the research by the ACS, those treatments that I have had may not have been possible.”

She hopes her story reminds others that every donation has the power to change lives. “More breakthroughs in cures for cancer can only come through donations. These cures could someday save my life and erase my incurable form of liver cancer.”

Brandi knows cancer affects more families today than ever before. Whether it’s a coworker, friend, neighbor, or loved one, nearly everyone knows someone facing this disease. She believes the fight against cancer truly takes a community.

“Please help me and the American Cancer Society save more lives,” Brandi says. “Please donate to help save as many future cancer patients as possible. Thank you.”