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At 31 years old, Kiera W. was preparing to take a bold step in her career. She recently transitioned to a new job with the dream of eventually opening her own practice as a medical aesthetician. Just weeks after starting her new position, her world was turned upside down. On April 30, 2021, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a reality she never saw coming. What followed was a journey of resilience, financial hardship, and the pursuit for the future she had always envisioned.

A Devastating Diagnosis and Unimaginable Loss

Kiera discovered a lump and, at the urging of her sister, a nurse, went to have it checked out. The cancer diagnosis that followed was a complete shock. Breaking the news to her husband and family was heartbreaking, but her mother and sisters immediately stepped in, moving from New York to Georgia to help support her. Kiera had planned to continue working throughout treatment, but the side effects from chemotherapy made it impossible. She requested accommodation to work remotely but was given an ultimatum instead: work in the office or lose her job. With no safe alternative, she was let go, leaving her in a devastating financial position.

The Financial Toll of Cancer

Kiera and her husband, EJ, had to make tremendous financial sacrifices to survive. Before losing her job, Kiera decided to undergo an egg retrieval prior to treatment. An expensive procedure, Kiera used her savings to pay for it, which added to their financial stress once they had to rely solely on EJ’s income while she was in treatment. They burned through their savings, exhausted their 401K, and were left drowning in medical debt. 

Discovering the SAMFund Grant: A Lifeline in the Darkest of Times

During her treatment, Kiera was introduced to Expect Miracles Foundation’s SAMFund grant program. The SAMFund grant stood out to her because it specifically helped young adults like herself. At the time, Kiera was focused on surviving post-treatment as she re-entered the workforce. However, between long-term side effects and ongoing follow-up appointments that were delayed due to financial barriers, the weight of financial instability grew heavier. That’s when she remembered EMF’s SAMFund and decided to apply.

Impact of EMF’s SAMFund Grant

The grant from Expect Miracles Foundation provided critical relief, helping Kiera and her husband manage their growing medical debt. It lifted an immense weight off their shoulders, allowing them to focus on her health and well-being rather than constantly worrying about finances.

Advocacy and Paying It Forward

Despite everything she has endured, Kiera remains determined to advocate for young cancer survivors facing similar struggles. She fondly remembers the sense of community she found during treatment, surrounded by others who understood her pain and fought through their own battles with resilience. That experience continues to motivate her to use her voice.

Looking Forward with Renewed Hope

While the journey hasn’t been easy, Kiera is focused on rebuilding her life, managing her health, and keeping the dream of parenthood alive. With the support of her husband, family, and organizations like Expect Miracles Foundation, she refuses to let cancer define her future.

Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the power of community. Though cancer tried to take so much from her, Kiera refuses to let it take away her dreams. Thanks to Expect Miracles Foundation, she is one step closer to a future where those dreams become reality.

About EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program

​ Due to the high costs associated with treatment and survivorship, young adults experience financial toxicity at a greater level than any other age group.  SAMFund grants help to alleviate the financial burden resulting from cancer treatment. Thank you to donors for supporting EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program. Because of your generosity, we are helping young adult cancer survivors build bridges to help them get where they were intended to go before cancer disrupted their lives.

What SAMFund Grant Recipients Say