After months of worsening abdominal swelling, pain, and difficulty functioning day to day, Kristen finally received the answer no one hopes to hear. She was diagnosed with Stage 3C ovarian cancer after doctors discovered a tumor measuring over 9 inches, along with cancer that had spread within her abdomen and significant fluid buildup requiring repeated drainage procedures. If you’ve ever met Kristen, followed her online, or shared a conversation with her, you’ve probably experienced what so many others have: a heart that makes people feel seen. Whether through humor, photography, storytelling, or simply showing up for others, she has spent years building a community rooted in kindness, authenticity, and connection. Kristen is first and foremost a wife and a mom to three incredible boys, who are the center of her world. She has always believed in finding light in difficult moments, making people laugh when life feels heavy, and reminding others they aren’t alone. Now, she’s facing the hardest chapter of her own story. She has already endured multiple paracenteses to remove liters of fluid from her abdomen, and she is now beginning chemotherapy with the hope of shrinking the cancer enough for extensive surgery. The months ahead will include chemotherapy, major surgery, recovery, and more treatment. It will be physically exhausting, emotionally overwhelming, and financially challenging. As treatment begins, Kristen’s ability to show up in all the ways she normally does as a stay-at-home mom will look different for a while. Between chemotherapy, appointments, surgery, recovery, fatigue, and the side effects that can come with treatment, even the everyday things that keep a family moving may become difficult. Whether you’re able to help with a meal, childcare, something from the wishlist, a prayer, a message, or simply by checking in and sharing some love, it all means more than you know. Every act of care reminds Kristen and her family that they are surrounded by a community willing to help carry them through this season. Thank you for showing up, for praying, for encouraging, and for loving this family so well through something none of them ever expected to face. Kristen will continue sharing updates from her journey on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok as she feels able. With so much gratitude, Kristen’s family & friends 🩵