On November 6th of this year, I became one of the 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Reading those words turned my entire world upside down. It’s been a whirlwind of appointments, biopsies, emotions, and trying to process a reality and a future that I never expected. As many of you know, I’m a single mom and I run my own tattoo business. Everything — my income, my household, my stability — depends entirely on me. Receiving this diagnosis has added a layer of uncertainty and stress that I can’t navigate alone. I’ve always been the “do-it-yourself,” hyper-independent type. Asking for help is not something that comes easily to me. But right now, I need support so I can focus on healing and being here for my son. Because when I can’t work, I can’t earn income, and recovery from surgery (and any additional treatment) will require time away from the studio.