A mum has tragically been given just five weeks left to live after being too scared to visit the doctor.
Kourtni Smith, who hails from St. Mary's County in Maryland, put off going the doctor when she discovered a growth in her breast as she was worried about the diagnosis.
After being left unable to breastfeed her then seven-month-old son as she was 'inhibited by a tumour', the 34-year-old mum-of-five was sadly diagnosed with stage four invasive lobular carcinoma - a form of cancer.
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Kourtni is now using her remaining days to try and raise money for her children who are between the ages of two and 16 years old.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up by Kourtni and has currently raised $88,261 out of the initial $50,000 goal.
The mum, who is currently in hospice care, wrote from her hospice room: "This is a fundraiser I never dreamed I would have to create.
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"With the unfortunate reality that I don't have much long on this Earth. Everyday is a struggle mentally and physically."
She explained she was diagnosed with the cancer back in 2021, adding: "I had a mammogram performed and received my diagnosis.
"That day my life changed forever, I was instructed to undergo eight rounds of chemotherapy and 15 radiation sessions."
However, after Kourtni's third round of treatment, she fell 'more ill' and found her body 'could not tolerate' the chemo.
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"I am now faced with the hard decision of preparing myself, my husband and our children for my departure," she carried on.
"I have young, sensitive, creative and intelligent children that I want to support through this world. My dream would be to hold their hands and guide them into adulthood, but that dream is slipping away."
Kourtni added that her cancer 'metastasised', or spread, to her bones and brain which causes 'limited activity' with her five children.
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She continued: "As I near the end of the road, my goal is to provide my husband with financial assistance for my funeral expenses as he will be a single father."
The woman then 'kindly invited' people to show their love and support by sending 'prayers and positive thoughts' for their path forward as well as 'financial contributions' to help cover the costs of her funeral and 'everything [her] transition will entail'.
"If you feel moved to donate thank you," she concluded. "I also ask that you share this campaign within the community.
"Again thank you for any support you can offer, Kourtni."
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You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Rhiannon Ingle