My name is Devernia Harris, and I never imagined I would be writing my own fundraiser. I have worked as a nursing assistant for twenty-two years and was recently diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, Stage I—an early stage, but a particularly aggressive type that requires fast, coordinated care. My surgery is scheduled for next Tuesday at Dublin Methodist Hospital, and chemotherapy will follow as my oncology team recommends. I am starting this fundraiser to keep my treatment on schedule and my home stable during the weeks ahead. Even with insurance, the immediate realities arrive all at once: pre-operative costs, co-pays, prescriptions, and the basics of keeping a roof over my head. Asking for help is not easy for me, but delaying care or falling behind on rent and insurance would be even harder—and would add stress where I need strength.
Triple-negative breast cancer moves quickly, and so must I. I have reached out everywhere I know to seek assistance. A hospital social worker is involved and genuinely wants to help; I was referred to an IMPACT program, but it is not accepting new patients right now; and the breast cancer helpline I called has not returned messages. Meanwhile, the essentials do not pause—rent, utilities, and insurance premiums are due just as medical bills begin to arrive. My family history makes all of this feel urgent and personal: my aunt died of breast cancer at just twenty-five, and that loss sits with me as I follow every step my doctors advise. I have four adult children in their thirties, each with a family of their own. They are doing well and support me with rides, meals, and encouragement, but I do not want them to jeopardize their households. For privacy, I prefer not to post photos; instead, I will share written updates so those who wish to follow along can see how things are going.
My immediate goal is to raise at least $1,500 to bridge this critical window around surgery and the start of chemotherapy. Every dollar will go to specific, near-term needs that directly protect my care and stability: (1) surgical pre-op and post-op costs; (2) early oncology co-pays, lab work, and necessary prescriptions; and (3) the essentials of home—rent, utilities, and insurance—so I can recover safely and begin chemo without financial panic. If generosity allows us to exceed this initial target, additional funds will be used for chemotherapy-related costs (clinic or infusion co-pays, anti-nausea and other supportive medications), transportation to and from the hospital, and basic living expenses during days when I cannot safely work. I will keep receipts and post regular updates so that anyone who lends a hand can see exactly how your help is being used. The plan is simple and accountable: remove the financial roadblocks that distract from healing, one necessary bill at a time.
Thank you for reading, for caring, and for considering a gift of any size. For over two decades, I have tried to be a steady presence at the bedside—helping patients and families through long nights and hard news. Now I am learning to accept steadiness from others. Your support—whether a donation, a kind note, a share with your community, or a prayer—helps me get through surgery, begin chemotherapy on time, and focus on the goal of getting well. I look forward to returning to the work I love and to ordinary, joyful days with my children and their families. Until then, your generosity keeps the essentials in place and the treatment moving forward without delay. From my heart, thank you for helping me meet this moment with courage, and for being part of the hope that carries me into tomorrow.
