If we could ask Webster's Dictionary to re-define "friend," we would request that they add "See Carrie Pittman" to any existing definition. Carrie Pittman is the embodiment of what a friend is. She bends over backwards to help other people. She is a source of laughter, of compassion, of joy and of dedication. Sometimes, you know a friend is hurting, but you can't put your finger on it. She may miss a meeting here and there; she may miss a call. She may not be as responsive as she normally is. But you know something is going on. You check in with her to see how she is doing, and then you let her know that her friends are here for her; just holler when you need us. But when you find out your friend is hurting--and hurting badly--actions speak louder than words. Carrie Pittman is our friend. She is our colleague. She is also a mother. And right now, Carrie Pittman needs her friends to help her. Carrie has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer, and requires extensive therapy and treatment for a long period of time. She is one of the nearly 300,000 women each year diagnosed with breast cancer, and while nobody in the prime of their lives should ever think "How will I get through this?" we want to let Carrie know she is not going through this alone, and she has a lot of people rooting for her, starting with her two daughters as well as friends and family across the globe. Carrie has taken a medical leave to take care of herself, and while her friends and colleagues can't wait to have her back, we want to "have her back" and lessen the burden on her family's finances. Carrie's friends and co-workers have started this GoFundMe to help with her medical costs and supplement the care, treatment and recovery that she needs. Chemotherapy, treatments and doctors' visits can put a burden on anyone; our hope is that we can all play our part to ensure she doesn't have to travel this path on her own. There is no one person or dollar amount more important than another; every dollar will be earmarked to her care. Every little bit helps, and we'll make sure it goes directly to cover the costs associated with her medical needs. We will provide updates to this page that provide more ways to ensure that Carrie's needs remain top of mind. This is not a one-and-done campaign; cancer is an ongoing journey that Carrie is traveling, and we will do everything we can to make sure she is not by herself. We have your back, Carrie. That's what friends do.