Hello friends and family,

Our names are Easther, and Augustine we’re sharing a story of one of the most incredible people we know, Carly Ankrum. Many years ago, we met Carly when she and our childhood friend, Billy, started dating. She felt like one of us from the moment we met her, as if we had always known her. Wherever she goes, Carly brings comforting warmth, kindness, laughter, and genuine compassion.

In November 2024, Carly and Billy got married and started building their life together as newlyweds. They were excited for their future and all of their shared adventures ahead.

When summer came, so did an unexpected pain in Carly’s back. She thought maybe it was a pulled muscle, from sleeping in a funny angle or pushing herself too hard at pilates. A series of doctors’ visits led to specialized pain management and physical therapy, but her back pain kept intensifying, forcing her to the ER in October of 2025.

Bloodwork, biopsies of her breast and spine, and tests and scans were run. The doctors came in and informed Carly and Billy of the diagnosis: Stage IV metastatic breast cancer, which had spread to all of her bones, causing a spinal fracture and other complications.

“You did everything right, you just have bad luck”, the oncologist told her in the hospital room, a validation drowned out by the immediate realization that the life she and Billy were building together would change forever.

Together, they have–and continue to–navigate countless appointments, PET and CT scans, MRIs, bloodwork, liquid biopsies, rapidly shifting treatment plans (including radiation of bone metastases), oral chemotherapy, (Xeloda/capecitabine), and infusions.

All in an effort to simply slow the progression, stabilize the disease, and preserve Carly’s quality of life. All while she and Billy shoulder the weight and uncertainty of what comes next, what it will cost, when Carly’s insurance will deny another claim, managing it all while still working full time and trying to find time in between to just take a moment to breathe and enjoy life. While navigating metastatic cancer, Carly also has had to routinely contend with severe fatigue, esophagitis, pneumonitis/pneumonia, nausea, general weakness, bone fractures, and hospitalizations.

Several weeks ago, a scan revealed metastases throughout Carly’s liver. This prompted urgent repeat imaging, which has shown a significant increase in her tumor markers. While recent abdomen MRI imaging showed stable liver lesions without evidence of new progression, there are still many unknowns ahead as her medical team continues to monitor her disease closely.

Thankfully, Carly and Billy have a wonderful network of support. Family, friends, and coworkers have stepped up with meals, entertainment, encouragement, and love. Throughout it all, Carly has shown her typical resilience, determination, good humor, and courage.

But the emotional, physical, and financial toll of living with stage IV cancer is not only enormous; it’s essentially a second full time job.

We are asking for help from not just Carly and Billy’s village but anyone who sees this and can provide some relief to help them fight her cancer with everything she’s got.

We’ve set an initial goal of $75,000. Every contribution will go directly towards expenses associated with Carly’s care. Even if you’re not able to contribute, we still ask that you share this fundraiser with others to help maximize the impact we can make in helping our dear friends through this incredibly difficult situation. There will be continued updates on Carly’s progress.

Your kindness, generosity, prayers, and positive thoughts mean more than you know. Let’s show Carly and Billy that they’re not in this fight alone!