OUR FIGHTERS
It can be hard to find a safe haven of support when things seem dire. That’s why we think it’s important you get to hear the real-life stories from our incredible fighters. Have a look at some of their inspirational experiences below.
JODI COTTON | WIFE & MOM
“Not knowing where to turn for support, the counselor at my kids school, Reeves Elementary, filled out an application on my behalf with the Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation. Within a couple weeks Natalie personally reached out to me and asked me what my needs were and what she can do to help. Tears streamed down my face as I felt I was thrown a life raft. For weeks I was drowning in emotions and struggling to function with every day tasks. They are providing a meal a week which is a blessing. With infusions, lab work, injections, scans, and doctor's appointments, it's one less thing to worry about. They have cleaned my house and did my laundry when I didn't have the energy to do it. The support and generosity I've received from the Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation has helped tremendously. They have taken the things off my plate that I struggled doing and allowed me time to focus on my treatments and my family. There are no words to adequately describe how grateful I am for Natalie Tuman and the Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation.” - Jodi Cotton
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
EMILY BERNAU | WIFE & MOM
“We received house cleaning and weekly meals. I just get so overwhelmed sometimes and having someone clean the house every other week was a godsend! My house looks incredible, this has been such a blessing and one less thing I have to worry about. The weekly meals were super helpful as well and SO delicious. I appreciate you all very much!” - Emily Bernau
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
GILLIAN FULTON | WIFE & MOM
“Our family had help with food gift cards and meal delivery. These were immensely helpful during rough chemo.” -Gillian Fulton
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
STACIA GRAVES | WIFE & MOM
"Through this cancer journey, I couldn’t have made it without my family and friends who have prayed for me and my family, who have shown up with food, who have given so much of their time to do fundraisers to help us pay the bills, to buy an amazing wig to wear every day, to make me feel whole again, for friends that have nominated me to an amazing group of Ladies in Prosper called The Tuman Breast Cancer Foundation. The foundation blessed us by helping with our insurance deductible. This allowed us to continue my treatments with less stress and worry financially. They go above and beyond to help you with whatever you need as you navigate this journey. My family and I have truly been blessed beyond measure and I’m forever grateful for all the love and support that has been shown and given by our town, my school, family, and many friends." - Stacia Graves
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
CHRISTY RILEY | WIFE & MOM
"My name is Christy Riley, I have been married for 20 years and we have 2 sons. I work full-time in an office setting and teach a fitness class. My breast cancer journey started in October of 2021 with multiple mammograms & biopsies. On November 5th we heard the words everyone dreads - You have breast cancer. We were blessed to get into the breast specialist Dr. Meghan Hansen with Texas Breast Specialists. We learned it was Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Stage 2, Grade 3, Triple Negative. We met with Dr. Le with Texas Oncology for the treatment plan. I started chemo Nov. 23 and went weekly for 12 treatments. Then starting on Feb. 15th I had 4 treatments of the Red Devil. On May 10th I had a double mastectomy with breast tissue expanders placed. My reconstruction surgery is scheduled for August 30th.
Natalie with the TBCF reached out to check on me and offer encouragement during my treatments. We were taken to our knees when the TBCF also blessed us with the funds to cover the 2022 insurance deductible, which was $7,000.00. The partnership with TBCF helped eliminate our biggest concern of how this diagnosis would impact us financially. Having this covered took SO much financial worry off and it was a blessing like no other!” - Christy Riley
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
ERIN SCRIVENS | WIFE & MOM
I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36. My oncologist set me up with an amazing psychologist who then connected me with Natalie Tuman. I was excited to talk to someone who knew exactly what I was experiencing. This was especially important to me because my family and I were new to the area. We had very little support here- all of our family and friends lived throughout the East coast. Shortly after we connected, I was invited to their annual event at the Silos. After feeling so alone, I instantly felt a sense of community and unconditional support. I learned more about Natalie’s story and ways the Tuman foundation has helped many other women in this community. Throughout one of the toughest times during my journey, they supported me and my family. And for that, I am forever grateful. They sent us meals once a week, so we didn’t have to worry about cooking, and a gift card to the Prosper Playhouse for my 6 and 3 year old daughters. This was so incredible because on the days where I couldn’t even get out of bed- our girls were able to do something special. Since then, I’ve seen Natalie and other members of the foundation at community events, such as the Relay for Life at Prosper HS. They have even reached out to me with inspirational cards from community members, which have touched my heart and given me continued hope. I am forever grateful for the Tuman foundation, and can not wait to give back to the community that supported me during the most difficult period of my life.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
