New Bride, 32, Handles Cancer Diagnosis With 'Grace', Dreams Of A Baby

NORTH FORK, NY — One week after celebrating her 32nd birthday, a North Fork woman received news that left her blindsided.

"Our dear friend Holly Koehler was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Understandably, the news came as a total shock to friends and family," said her friend Sabrina Bucci, who created a GoFundMe page, "Help Holly Fight Breast Cancer."

Bucci described Holly as a "once-in-a-lifetime friend; compassionate, kind and wise beyond her years. If there is ever an issue, Holly is the first one you call for the advice you need to hear. She always makes you feel important and is someone friends and family can depend on. As Holly does with everything in life, she has handled her diagnosis with grace — and we all know she will take this experience and use it to help someone else during their journey in the future."

Bucci said Holly has always loved children and yearned to be a mother, "a role sure to come naturally to her."

Married to longtime partner Ben Johnson in June, one of the things the couple has looked forward to is starting a family of their own, Bucci explained.

"Since her cancer treatment may affect her ability to have a child, her doctors have recommended she undergo fertility treatments," she said.

She added that Holly has shown courage and strength through her diagnosis, and those who love her are looking to support her throughout the process in any way they can.

"Our hope is to ease the financial burden of these fertility procedures while she is going through cancer treatment over the next year," she said. "Your donation, encouragement and prayers will make a difference in her life. Thank you for your support and outpouring of love during this difficult time."

Holly wrote on social media of her incredible gratitude: "I am completely overwhelmed by the generosity of my friends, family, and even strangers who have donated, reached out to check on me, sent flowers and care packages, and offered their support. Especially my incredible friend Sabrina, for setting up the GoFundMe and for the unconditional love and support she has shown me during the hardest experience of my life," she wrote. "I am forever grateful and thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

To donate to the GoFundMe, click here.