Some of you already know that a couple of years ago, Hedda was diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer, a cancer closely related to ovarian cancer. For others, this may be the first you’re hearing about it. Hedda and her family kept her first diagnosis fairly private, but with the cancer now having returned, they wanted to share a little more about what they’ve been through — and one practical way we can help. In 2016, Hedda learned that she carries the BRCA1 gene, putting her at a significantly higher risk for breast and ovarian cancer. She was advised that there were preventative steps she could take to reduce that risk, including removal of her ovaries and a double mastectomy. After having her second child, Finnegan, in 2018, she chose to move forward with both surgeries over the next few years. Despite taking those precautions, Hedda was among the small percentage of women who still develop primary peritoneal cancer. In 2024, she went through additional surgeries and chemotherapy, recovered, and was able to get back to everyday life with Justin, Hayden and Finn. More recently, they learned that the cancer had returned, and Hedda is now going through another six rounds of chemotherapy. So many people have asked how they can help. One thing that would make a genuine difference right now is helping with meals. Because of dietary restrictions and Hayden’s peanut allergy, homemade meals can be difficult for the family to navigate, which makes meal gift cards especially useful. They give Justin and the kids an easy way to take care of dinner on treatment days and on the days when everyone simply has a little less time and energy. Wegmans, their local grocery store, has a wide selection of prepared foods that work well for the family, so we’ve set up this fund to help with Wegmans gift cards and other meal options throughout treatment. If you’d like to contribute, we know it will be put to very good use. And to everyone who has already reached out, checked in or offered to help — thank you. The support has meant so much to Hedda and the whole family.
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