In Support of Lynn Townsend

Update 10/23:2026
Copied from Taylor’s Fb page: 
I wanted to give a little update on Momma after our visit with the oncologist today. Dr. Wilkinson at UMMC called her out of the blue yesterday and asked her to come in today (on the Dr.’s off day) because she specifically wanted to see her and one other patient. This woman intentionally carved out time in her own Friday’s NO work schedule to come see my momma and set up care. Tell me that ain’t God!  We still don’t have all the answers, but for the first time in what feels like forever, we left an appointment feeling like we actually have some direction.

The biggest question we’re still trying to answer is exactly where Momma’s cancer started. Her biopsy confirmed metastatic cancer, but it wasn’t able to identify the original source. Right now, the doctors are considering one of two major origins. Dr. W explained that determining this is important because the type of cancer will help determine which treatments are most likely to work.

Before Dr. W even called Momma yesterday, she sent her biopsy tissue for additional testing through a company called Caris. This testing will look more closely at the cancer molecular markings and compare them with others in its database to hopefully help identify where it started and which treatments may work best. Momma also has a PET scan scheduled for November 6 which should answer the question if the Caris test doesn’t first. 

Our biggest concern right now continues to be Momma’s pain, particularly in her knee and hips. Dr. W believes that much of this pain is actually coming from the cancer affecting her lower spine and putting pressure on the nerves. She has an appointment with neurosurgery on November 3 to determine whether surgery is an option. If it isn’t, Dr. W discussed the possibility of some quick, targeted radiation treatments to help address the cancer in her spine and hopefully provide some much-needed relief.

But what meant the most to us today was finally hearing someone talk about what CAN be done rather than just everything that’s wrong. When I expressed to her that she’s the first person who had even mentioned a true path forward and that it gave us what felt like a reason to breathe again, she reassured me that this is treatable. We understand that treatable doesn’t necessarily mean curable, and we aren’t underestimating the seriousness of what we’re facing. We don’t have any definitive answers of what the future will look like in terms of time on earth (but really, who does?). However, after weeks of uncertainty, conflicting information, and feeling like we’re just waiting for the next piece of bad news, hearing that there are options and a plan beginning to come together meant more than I can explain.

She was also incredibly kind and compassionate with Momma. She listened to her, took her pain seriously, and reminded her that it’s okay to let other people take care of her for a change. Anyone who knows Momma knows that’s easier said than done. She’s spent her life taking care of everybody else, and not being able to do the things she’s always done has been one of the hardest parts of all of this.

We’re still waiting on answers, and there are certainly some difficult days ahead, but today felt like a step in the right direction. We finally have someone helping us connect the pieces and work toward an actual treatment plan (thanks to the other awesome folks through UMMC who have done some of the background work/referring).

Momma made it very clear today that she has a whole lot of living left to do, and we’re going to do everything we can to help her do just that.

Please continue praying for answers, for relief from this awful pain, for wisdom for her doctors, and for whatever comes next. More than anything, we’re praying for time, healing, and the ability for Momma to enjoy the life she loves so much.

Thank you all for loving her and loving us through all of this. We truly appreciate every prayer, message, and act of kindness.

#LiftLynnUp ❤️






Lynn Townsend has never been one to ask for help. In fact, she is always the one helping everyone else. She has recently been diagnosed with cancer and still has a lot of unanswered questions and outcomes in the foreseeable future. It’s her turn to be on the receiving end of our community’s love, support and assistance. We appreciate whatever you can do, whether it’s prepare a meal, give a monetary donation or simply pray  Please go to this registry and do whatever you can. 

This Support Registry is built to give clear direction to everyone who wants to help the family.

Whether you’re willing to give money, send meals, or lend a hand, your support makes a real difference.

Those who would like to help the family can:

Thank you.