Style

ShopMy Outfits

Books

Meet Chassity

Many, Many Prayers Needed. Especially Yours.

I generally keep my blog pretty light hearted and upbeat, but today I have a pretty big requestย of you all.ย  One of my oldest and dearest friends needs some prayers in a major way.ย  It’s the most heart wrenching story,ย one thatย I’ll spare you most of the details, of a young woman with cancer.ย 

My story with Amanda begins when we were kids.ย  We grew up together in the same small town andย were close friends all throughout school.ย  Many, many memories.ย  Countless really.ย  We both went to college at Indiana Universityย and were roomies for 3 of those 4 years.ย  Afterย college graduation Amanda married and started a family in Indiana.ย ย Even though I moved to Charleston sheย and I have remained close in thatย sacred “we’ll be friends forever” sort of way that only really good friends can have.

{Prints by the Corbin’sย photography}
๏ปฟ

In April of 2011 Amanda, along withย her husband Aaron and their two daugthers Ava and Ella, welcomedย baby Nolan to the world.ย  The pregnancy had been one that was extremely difficult and painful due toย a fibroid and a lymph node the size of a canteloupe and a grapefruit.ย  In May, about one month after Nolan’s birth,ย we learned that Amanda has cancer.ย  After numerous tests and surgeries and a recent trip to MD Anderson in Houston, the cancer has been determined to be UTROSCT.ย  UTROSCT is an extremely rare form of cancer which stands for Uterine Tumor Resembling Ovarian Sex Chord Tumor.ย  Googling willย pull up very little.ย  Sadly, it has alreadyย spread to her sacrum, breast, rib and skull.ย ย To make this whole situation even more cruel, Amanda is experiencing unbearable pain.ย  But you wouldn’t know,ย I’ve not once heardย her complain about it.ย ย She began carboplatin/taxol chemo treatmentย yesterday, but it is aย very hardย road ahead,ย one that is in God’s hands.

Because this cancer is so incredibly rare, they’re pretty much throwing darts at a treatment.ย  If you happen to have any information on UTROSCT (maybe you or someone you know has it) please contact me.ย  Likewise, if youย know orย happen to be anย OB oncologist,ย please get in touch with me.ย  Any information would be helpful at this point.ย  You can visit Amanda’sย Caring Bridge pageย toย learn more about her condition.

๏ปฟ

I humblyย ask that you please take time out of your dayย to say a prayer for my friend Amanda, her family, her doctors, and forย her strength.ย ย I assure you that this amazing woman and her beautiful family are worth every second of your time.ย  And if you feel the need to do more, please share this post.ย  You never know who might see it and how it could help.

Shop All Finds

ShopMy Faves
Amazon Finds
Shopbop Hearts
Previous Post:
Next Post:

Most Popular

Leave a Reply to -Katie Waddell Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Natalie

    Saying a big prayer for your friend that breaks my heart. My brother-in-law’s dad used to be a cancer specialist here I will ask if he knows anything about this type of cancer. Thinking of you and your friend, I will include her in my prayers every night.

    Reply
  2. christine {bijouandboheme}

    Oh this breaks my heart- hearing about a young woman who has little children and cancer is just so so devastating. I will say many many prayers for her and will tweet your post. xoxo

    Reply
  3. Kimberly

    I have a friend whose Dad is dying of cancer and has just been given a few days left to live. I spent the morning crying for them and now this. I too have a son named Nolan – I will pray for her & her family.

    Reply
  4. meghan hochgesang

    i’m so glad you updated us, especially those who know Amanda. I had no idea she was sick, when Jenna said something during our shoot a couple weeks ago. i’ve been heartbroken since and rarely has an hour gone by that i haven’t thought about her and her family. she is most definitely in my every prayer.

    Reply
  5. Tobe | Because It’s Awesome

    Sending love and strength to you and your loved ones sharing this difficult experience. ox

    Reply
  6. Things That Sparkle

    Thinking of your friend and hoping everything works out ok. Thank you for sharing this with us Chassity xo

    Reply
  7. Pawleys Island Posh

    I will add your dear friend and all involved to my prayer list. This is a heart wrenching and faith testing story that brought tears to my eyes. I’m so sorry for this Chassity. xoxox

    Reply
  8. Morgan

    Beautifully written. I’ll most certainly keep your sweet friend in my thoughts. Xo

    Reply
  9. Kim Aull

    Amanda has been a strong person during this difficult time. She has a beautiful family and I hope someone reading this has some helpful information for them. Keeping them all in my prayers. A good post for a good friend of yours Chass.

    Reply
  10. Britton

    Thinking about you and praying for you and your sweet friend and her family.

    Reply
  11. Sarah Gunn

    I am not normally one that prays but I am sending so many prayers to your beautiful friend and her family. xoxo

    Reply
  12. Michelle @ Ten June

    I am so sorry to hear this! My mother-in-law battled a rare form of cancer, so I absolutely understand the awful feeling of not knowing whether or not the treatment is working, etc. Amanda and her family are in my prayers!!! Please keep us updated, she will be on my mind!

    Reply
  13. Abbie Rumbach

    Many healing prayers being said for her and her family.

    Reply
  14. GretchenGale

    I’m sending prayers from Michigan to your friend, her beautiful family, and to you Chassity.
    This hurts my heart, but God is the Great Healer.
    Gretchen

    Reply
  15. marysia reeves

    WIll keep Amanda in my prayers. I’m sorry for her and you and everyone to have to go through this but there is always hope. marysia

    Reply
  16. Chic Coastal Living

    She is one my prayer list and I will calll all of my prayer warrior friends and family to pray. The Lord is with her and her family. xoxo, Desiree

    Reply
  17. Heather

    I am praying right now!!

    Reply
  18. bryn alexandra interiors

    This breaks my heart ๐Ÿ™ I’ll be praying for your beautiful friend and her beautiful family. xxxx

    Reply
  19. The Now

    SO, SO many prayers going out to your friend. Both she and her family will be in our thoughts and prayers day and night! With our deepest love, E&A

    Reply
  20. Heidi @ The Sweet Life

    Hi. I work at MD Anderson in Houston and while I don’t work on the clinical side (I’m just down the road and work in administration for the research side) I would be glad to help out in any way that I can while Amanda and her family are here. Please just let me know if there is anything I can do. (show them around, get them lunch, watch the kiddos..anything) I am only a short ride from the main hospital and my husband and I would be happy to anything we can while they are here.

    Reply
  21. Haskell

    This is such a devastating story and I am forwarding all the details on to all the doctors I know and will get back to you ASAP with any details. Their entire family will be in my thoughts every minute!

    Reply
  22. Krista Salmon

    Chassity, I am so sorry to hear of this news. It is so heart wrenching, especially as a mother. We will keep Amanda and her beautiful family in our prayers. Please let us know what we can do to help. xo- K.

    Reply
  23. Mommy, Esq.

    This hurts my heart so much for you and your dear friend. I had my second child in April, and can only imagine the heartbreaking fear this sweet family must be feeling. They will be in my prayers!

    Reply
  24. Kelly

    AS I read your special and loving prayer request I am brought to tears while praying for your beautiful friend and her beautiful family. I will continue to pray for healing, peace, comfort and knowledge of this rare cancer. I am also praying for you who is many miles away from your dear friend.

    Blessings,
    Kelly

    Reply
  25. Whitney

    My heart goes out to all of you! Prayers are being sent up and I will repost!

    Please keep us updated!

    Reply
  26. Emily

    Praying for healing for her, wisdom for her doctors and comfort for all of you. She sounds like an amazing woman!

    Reply
  27. Dana {Southern Inspired}

    Saying prayers right now for Amanda and her sweet family. The power of prayer is amazing! Please keep us updated on your friend. Thinking about you Chassity.

    Reply
  28. Ms. Bright

    Adding Amanda, her family and yours to my prayer list. We’re no strangers to the evil beast that is C.

    Many prayers for strength, peace and health!

    Reply
  29. Carissa @ the Fabulous Design File

    Sending love and prayers to your friend and her family… I can’t imagine facing something so scary with three little ones.

    Reply
  30. Danielle Oakey Interiors

    I will definitely be praying for your sweet friend. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for her. She sounds like an incredible woman and so strong!

    Reply
  31. Kristen Reid

    Your pictures and update touched my heart. I wish your friends much positive thought, they’re a beautiful family and deserve many future smiles together.

    Reply
  32. Tiffany @ Savor Home

    How heartbreaking… My thoughts and prayers are certainly with her, her family and with you. I can’t imagine how hard it is to see a good friend go through this. But God is a healer… Please keep us updated.

    Reply
  33. Dana {Southern Inspired}

    I just wrote a post on Amanda. God is mighty to save ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  34. Marianne {Style For Living}

    I just got chills reading about your friends story. My heart goes out to her and her. She will most definitely be in my prayers.

    Reply
  35. keely @ luxe + lillies

    This just breaks my heart into a million little pieces. What a beautiful family. I will keep Amanda in my thoughts and prayers.

    My fiance had late stage cancer when he was a child and his treatment too, was very experimental. One thing that has changed out lives going forward, and also the life of my aunt who recently went into remission from a very rare form of breast cancer is the book ” The Anti-Cancer: A New Way of Life” by David Servan Schrieber.

    Reply
  36. Megan

    I am so heartbroken for your friend especially since I have a son her son’s age. I sent the post to my cousin who is a breast cancer survivor and has had excellent care in NYC. Keeping Amanda in my prayers.

    Reply
  37. Simple Dwellings

    My heart breaks for your friend and her family. I will keep them in my thoughts and prayers. What a great job you are doing, bringing this to people’s attention. I hope someone reading your post will know more about the condition and be able to help.

    Reply
  38. Courtney {a thoughtful place}

    Oh, Chassity. I remember you mentioning Amanda when we met. I will of course say prayers for her, the doctors, and her beautiful family. My heart just breaks that such a young woman has to battle this. I will pray that the power of pray really does take over. Hang in there sweet friend. I know first hand how hard it is so watch a friend suffer.

    Reply
  39. Jylare Smith

    My heart is aching for her and her family. I do know that she can get through this. We are never given trials that we can’t deal with. I’m praying hard for her!

    Reply
  40. Julip Made

    So heartbreaking for anyone especially a mother of 3 with a newborn. My positive thoughts and prayers go out to Amanda and her family that her pain may go away and for a successful treatment!

    Reply
  41. Lily

    Sending lots of prayers and well wishes.

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

    Reply
  42. -Katie Waddell

    Psalm 18:2
    The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

    -Praying for your dear friend, her family and for you-peace, healing and comfort. I’ll be adding them to our church prayer chain as well.

    Reply
  43. Erica

    Oh Chassity! I am forever impressed at the generosity of your spirit. Sorry that your dear friend is suffering in this way. Saying a prayer for Amanda and her lovely family and one for you too… that you’ll continue to have all of the right things to say and do to support your friend when she needs you most. Much Love, Erica

    Reply
  44. Lonely Wife Project

    Sending tons of prayers and happy thoughts to Amanda and her family. Thanks for letting us know.

    Reply
  45. Amanda Hill

    Oh my heart is breaking, what a horrible cruel thing to happen! I will say many prayers for her! Much love and well wishes!

    Reply
  46. victoria | vmac+cheese

    Chassity, I’m saying a big prayer for both Amanda and YOU. At a young age, I lost my father to a very rare type of cancer as well, so I understand how scary and helpless it can feel. Big hugs and I hope this post gets you more information that can help your sweet friend and her family!

    Reply
  47. Calder Clark

    Chass that’s just heart-wrenching. Putting Amanda top of prayers asap.

    Reply
  48. Michaela

    Thank you for sharing this, Chassity. I’m so incredibly sad to hear this. Amanda is such a beautiful woman, and her kids and husband are precious, too. I’ll be praying that the Lord will give wisdom to the doctors, comfort to Amanda, people to come alongside and encourage their family, and most of all, pray for healing for your sweet friend. It’s comforting to know we can bring everything before God and only He is mighty to save. God is faithful!

    I’ll ask my mom who’s a nurse if she knows anything about this type of cancer.
    xo Michaela

    Reply
  49. Ashley

    Found this post through twitter. Praying for your friend. I will retweet this blog post next.
    @Ashley_Designs

    Reply
  50. a’ la mode

    Praying. xo

    Reply
  51. Daydreamer

    I’m so sorry to read about your friend. What a darling young woman and family. Prayers will be sent.

    Reply
  52. kstar

    This is the first I have heard of this news. I am sending so much love and light to Amanda and her whole family. She is so radiant and I am in awe of her courage as she faces the greatest challenge~ Thanks for posting this Chassity. I just love her and all you girls from our school days… LOVELOVELOVE

    Reply
  53. Jenny

    Found your blog on twitter. This is such a heartbreaking story. I will be praying! Its in Gods hands!

    Reply
  54. Teri

    Many prayers going out to your dear friend, Amanda, and her beautiful family.

    Reply
  55. Kara {A Little Bit of Lovely}

    What a heartbreaking story. Thank you for having the strength to share it in hopes of helping your friend and her gorgeous family. I have a good friend who is an OB/GYN – I will ask her if she knows anything about this type of cancer. And, of course, I will say a prayer for this amazing young woman!

    Reply
  56. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful}

    I wish with all my heart that I could actually be useful in this situation…I’m bawling my eyes out after reading this story and my heart aches for her and her beautiful family going through the unimaginable. My 19 year-old brother in law just got done with treatment for testicular cancer…and it was an awful ordeal…and that is *not* rare, completely curable, and he doesn’t have a family of his own. My heart and prayers go out to Amanda and asking God for one of His miracles. XOXO

    Reply
  57. SHERRY HART

    I hate when I hear things like this for anyone…but someone so young with small children…devastating. I am so sorry and I hope she gets her miracle as she deserves it.

    Reply
  58. 17 Perth

    I will definitely say a special prayer for her, for her family and friends who are all experiencing this tough time together. I pray that God gives her the strength to continue on this journey and that He gives her body the strength to fight the cancer…..and prayers for a full recovery. I pray God provides love, warmth and comfort for her and for her family.

    I am so sorry you guys are having to go through this tough time.
    xoxo

    Reply
  59. Allison

    This story really touches my heart. I will keep Amanda and her family in my prayers, Chassity. What a beautiful young woman and a beautiful family. I do believe in the power of prayer and remaining positive and hopeful.

    Reply
  60. Gaby [The Vault Files]

    Oh Chassity, I never imagined your post was going to be this intense. You can be 100% sure that I’ll include your friend in my night’s prayers. Being a mom it brakes my heart that another mom is going through this, it just doesn’t seem fair..

    Reply
  61. Gaby [The Vault Files]

    Oh Chassity, I never imagined your post was going to be this intense. You can be 100% sure that I’ll include your friend in my night’s prayers. Being a mom it brakes my heart that another mom is going through this, it just doesn’t seem fair..

    Reply
  62. Gaby [The Vault Files]

    Oh Chassity, I never imagined your post was going to be this intense. You can be 100% sure that I’ll include your friend in my night’s prayers. Being a mom it brakes my heart that another mom is going through this, it just doesn’t seem fair..

    Reply
  63. Joe

    This link is in regard to cancer and treatments that have helped many forms of cancer.

    I don’t know very much about the doctor in question but there must be some truth to hi research.

    http://vimeo.com/24821365

    Reply
  64. Ashley

    my heart aches for this precious family and all her friends. Sending endless prayers her way!!

    Reply
  65. Melissa @ Veranda Interiors

    My heart is broken for your fried and her gorgeous family. She will be in our thoughts & prayers, please keep us posted. Sending a big virtual {{{HUG}}} your way. xo

    Reply
  66. Ky

    I am so sorry to hear of Amy’s diagnosis. Please have her check out http://www.burzynskiclinic.com in Houston. There is an excellent video about his antineoplaston therapy on vimeo.

    Reply
  67. Tara

    I will definitely be praying for Amanda. It just breaks my heart for her and her beautiful family that they have to endure this. I do know that the power of prayer has helped many of my friends through very trying times, and Amanda is lucky to have a friend like you to reach out to everyone for their prayers. We are all here for you and Amanda! Big hugs!

    Reply
  68. Bud and Leo

    We are so very sorry to hear this and will absolutely pray for her and her family every night. Sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.

    Reply
  69. designchic

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. So devastating when a young mother has to go through such a trying time. Sending warm hugs your way ~

    Reply
  70. Haven and Home

    Sending huge prayers her way.

    Reply
  71. Sarah Kiefer

    I saw this story on a couple of Facebook friends’ profiles. Although I don’t know Amanda, I was touched by her story. Chassity, you said any information would be helpful, so I’d like to suggest that the family look into Gerson Therapy. I have seen the miracles that Gerson Therapy can do for cancer patients. Chemo and radiation seem to only shorten precious lives as they attack the whole body. Amanda needs her body to work to heal itself. It’s just a suggestion. Some people may not believe it since the people who support it in the US don’t have M.D. behind their names (in other countries, though, that’s another story). I wouldn’t suggest it if I didn’t totally believe in it. Please look into Gerson Therapy. It can save such a young, vibrant life!

    Reply
  72. Gray Benko

    This is so incredibly sad. She and her family have already been added to mine and Farris’s nightly prayers.

    Reply
  73. Danika Herrick

    I am praying for her, and this is truly heartbreaking being a mom. She is so brave and strong. I don’t know if I can be of any help with this, but my Dad was diagnosed with an incurable form of lymphoma:mycosis fungoides. After being told there was nothing he could do and it was extremely rare, he went to the Schachter Center. http://www.mbschachter.com/ They focused on diet and supplements. I know not everyone is open to compliementary or integrated medicine, but he has been in remission for over 2 years. I wish her recovery and hope that someone out there can help her.

    Reply
  74. Town and Country Mom

    Praying for your friend Amanda and her sweet family.

    Reply
  75. Drew {Coral Cafe}

    So sorry to hear this kind of news! Praying for her and her family and for you as well! And what the power of prayer can really do!!

    Reply
  76. Your Southern Peach

    Adding Amanda and her family to my prayer list. God grant them grace, courage, strength and healing.

    Reply
  77. Pam

    I’m so sorry to hear of your friend’s incredibly sad story. I’ll be praying for her and her family.

    Reply
  78. Roger McBride

    I don’t know a lot about MD Anderson, but It might be worth a call to Cancer Treatment Centers of America. I have been receiving treatment there for a year. I have stage 4 Lung cancer which had spread to my neck, ribs, pelvis, spine, hip and tail bone. Everything is stable and in the process of healing. They offer a lot of experience and a ton of hope! Just something to think about. I wish your friend the best. CANCER CAN BE BEATEN! It is every day by some one!

    Reply
  79. Vanessa@decor happy

    Saying prayers for your beautiful friend and hoping the treatment proves successful.

    Reply
  80. Lisa

    Your friend and her beautiful family are in my prayers. She is lucky to have your friendship in this difficult time.

    Reply
  81. hollyG

    I’ve never read or commented before but I saw your post on someone’s blogroll. Your friend is such a fighter and has so many prayers going for her. It must be amazing to know that there are prayers all over the country for this strong lady.

    Reply
  82. Janell @ Isabella and Max

    My thoughts and prayers are with your friend Amanda. Janell

    Reply
  83. Shannon @ What’s Up Whimsy

    What a courageous friend you have. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her beautiful family xo

    Reply
  84. Andrea

    Sending thoughts and prayers for your sweet friend.

    I second the above recommendation for Gerson Therapy. My dad was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and has completely stopped it in its tracks with zero medical intervention. I thought he was crazy at first, but now I am definitely a believer.

    Reply
  85. aubry.

    i reposted this on my blog…. and i am praaaaaaaaying. hard.

    Reply
  86. Nuha

    Oh Chassity, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I’ll keep her in my heart and prayers. I hope everything works out for the best. Big hugs xoxo

    Reply
  87. A Lived in Home

    That is so incredibly sad! She is a beautiful woman with a precious family that needs her! I will keep her and her fmaily in my thoughts and prayers!

    Reply
  88. Juliann

    I am so sorry to hear about Amanda, Thank you for posting. We are sending prayers. I work in Oncology, but in pediatrics. I will ask around to see if anyone of my doctor friends know of anything!

    Reply
  89. Emily McLane

    My prayers go up for Amanda and her family. I am some connections with Oncologists here in KC, I can see if I can find out anything that may help.

    Emily

    Reply
  90. Emily McLane

    My prayers go up for Amanda and her family. I am some connections with Oncologists here in KC, I can see if I can find out anything that may help.

    Emily

    Reply
  91. Emily McLane

    My prayers go up for Amanda and her family. I am some connections with Oncologists here in KC, I can see if I can find out anything that may help.

    Emily

    Reply
  92. Nicole

    Praying for your friend and her family…my heart aches for them, but I will continuously lift them up.

    Reply
  93. Seaside Style

    Sending prayers from Beaufort SC, and to you . I am originally from Indianapolis, grew up in CT, and now reside in Beaufort. My 2 oldest children live in Charleston. Small world! Hang in there, I know what a difficult time this is for you. I love your blog, newest follower.

    Linda

    Reply
  94. Crystal @ Ordinary Days

    She and her family will be in my prayers daily. This just breaks my heart and it could be any of us.

    Reply
  95. Amanda

    My dad sent this TED talk to me last night, and I read this post this morning. I don’t know if it will give you any links or ideas to help your friend because they are different cancers, but it might:
    http://www.ted.com/talks/dave_debronkart_meet_e_patient_dave.html?utm_source=newsletter_weekly_2011

    Reply
  96. Simply LKJ

    Chassity, sorry I am just now reading this post. What a beautiful family. A friend of mine was recently (April) diagnosed with breast cancer, she is 43, the mother of 5 (one adopted just one year ago). She is a beautiful writer, and has a blog you and/or Amanda may want to read…you will be able to relate and maybe find some comfort in her words, it is called Even the Sparrow. I will continue to send up prayers for Amanda, her family, you, and the team of doctors working with her.

    Reply
  97. traci zeller designs

    Oh, Chassity, that is just heartbreaking. Huge hugs and prayers to Amanda and her family and friends. Cancer is so evil. I have had too many friends struggle with it already!

    Reply
  98. Lindsey Regan Thorne @ be pretty

    Sending many, many prayers to this beautiful family! I’m sorry Chassity.

    Reply
  99. Peggy

    I will be praying for Amanda and her precious family. I live in Houston (about 10-15 minutes from MD Anderson) and would be glad to open my home to Amanda and her family.

    Reply
  100. Amanda

    So very sorry to hear about your friend. I am praying for her.

    Reply
  101. Megan {Honey We’re Home}

    I wanted to let you know that I have prayed too. I will tweet this post so that we can get more prayers for Amanda.

    Reply
  102. Mrs. Edwards

    I am praying for your sweet friend and her family. I shared this on my own blog in an effort to get more people lifting her up in prayer.

    http://first-grade-frenzy.blogspot.com/2011/07/prayer-needed.html

    Liz

    Reply
  103. Nancy Wilson

    I learned of this situation from Liz Edwards (see comment above). I am praying and will continue to pray that God may bless this family in some amazing miraculous ways and that many will see His great power, love, and compassion and that He may be glorified through it! I am heart broken for this family. Please update so that we may pray specifically for this precious family’s needs!
    Thanks, Nancy

    The Apple Basket Teacher

    Reply
  104. Jennifer M. Smith

    Hello, I too was touched by this story and would like to help! How can I contact you? I would like to put you in touch with a friend who knows an amazing cancer doctor. Please e-mail your contact info to: jenniferlaake@yahoo.com

    I received this story through facebook from my cousin in Jasper, IN.

    Many prayers to Amanda and her family.

    Reply
  105. my favorite and my best- MFAMB to you

    so sorry i am just now getting to this..
    i will say many prayers for her until she is well…
    i can’t even imagine…
    xo
    jenny

    Reply
  106. Amanda

    Just sent one up.

    Reply
  107. Aspiring Kennedy

    chassity, i’m so sorry for your friend. what a tough thing to go through. lots of love, and prayer, sent to you both.

    Reply
  108. In Memory « Look Linger Love

    […] want to thank you for your support after this post I shared two years ago. I felt that I owed it to you all to let you know of Amanda’s passing. […]

    Reply
Back to Home