Vivian's Story: Finding Strength in the Storm

At just 38, Vivian received a devastating diagnosis— Stage 2 breast cancer. With two children at home, bills to pay, and a husband who became her full-time caregiver, Vivian continued to work through chemo—determined to be treated “like normal.”

But the strength it took wasn’t just physical or emotional—it was financial. “I didn’t think about the cost until the bills started coming,” Vivian says. “Some were covered by insurance, but not all. That’s when Pretty In Pink helped pay for my radiation. I really appreciate it—because I didn’t know what I was going to do.”

The support came at a critical moment. Vivian, who lives in Asheville, had a reaction to her chemo and was hospitalized when Hurricane Helene hit. She was unable to reach her family for three days due to power outages and road closures. While her home wasn’t damaged– her workplace was shut down, leaving her with no income for nearly a month.

“Every bit of support makes a difference—especially for a mom trying to hold everything together. The help from Pretty In Pink means a lot. It helped my whole family,” she says. “I really, really appreciate everyone who supports this organization. It means a lot to the mother, like me, who has kids and is struggling.”

Click here to donate and make a difference for our Champions in Western NC, like Vivian.