Hope, Then Heartbreak

In 2023, Billi B. and her husband Ryan, of 5 years, received exciting news: they were pregnant with their first child. With time to prepare before the baby arrived, they began to make plans for their future. Ryan accepted a new position at a bank that offered better benefits and hours so he could be home more often with the baby. Billi continued working part-time as a nurse in the Emergency Department. However, not even two months into the new year, Billi felt a lump in her breast.

Motherhood First, Patient Second

At first, her doctor attributed the symptoms to normal changes during pregnancy. Still, Billi couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right. A month later, she went back to her doctor and advocated for further testing. They agreed to do an ultrasound to give Billi some peace of mind and would call her with the results. A few days later, she received a phone call that would confirm her worst fears. At 27 weeks pregnant, Billi was diagnosed with breast cancer.

“Immediately after learning of my diagnosis, I went into planning mode. It wasn’t about me anymore; it was about my baby and how to keep him safe.”

Billi B.
SAMFund Grant Recipient

The Cost of Staying Alive

Billi’s cancer was aggressive and her treatment was extensive. She was required to undergo chemotherapy while pregnant, followed by radiation, multiple surgeries, and additional rounds of chemotherapy after giving birth. As a part-time employee, she did not qualify for paid time off.

Billi had to take time off for surgeries and the birth of her baby, but otherwise worked throughout her two and a half years of treatment. She had no other choice. Ryan, who had just started a new job, was not yet eligible for PTO either. They were forced to use credit cards to make up for lost income, creating significant debt.

“Throughout my cancer treatments, there’ve been many times when I was unable to work, and our family lost income. Medical bills combined with every day expenses made it difficult to stay financially stable. I was trying to balance it all & keep it together.”

Billi B.
SAMFund Grant Recipient

Security After the Storm

Three years later, Billi has successfully finished her treatments and is recovering well from reconstruction surgery. Receiving a SAMFund grant from Expect Miracles Foundation gave Billi’s family breathing room during an intense period of recovery and transition back to full-time work. Helping to ease the financial burden of housing expenses for three months allowed Billi’s family to get caught up on bills and preserve their savings without falling into further debt.

“Overall, the grant didn’t just help us financially – it gave us stability when we needed it most and helped keep our family and future on track.”

Billi B.
SAMFund Grant Recipient

Inspired by the Journey

Now in remission, Billi and her family are finding their way back to the lives they had been building before cancer upended it, celebrating milestones like buying a new home and celebrating their son’s 3rd birthday. Inspired by her cancer journey, Billi has returned to school to continue her education. She is pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing to become an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner and hopes to teach one day, helping shape the next generation of nurses.