AVENUE, Md. — For Maegan Showalter, some of life’s happiest moments are also the simplest: baking at home, spending time on the water and taking little adventures with her husband and their two boys.
Born and raised in Southern Maryland, Showalter has built her life here as a wife, mother and dental hygienist. Her days were typically filled with work, caring for her family and making memories with the people she loves most.
Then, during a family vacation in June, those familiar rhythms were interrupted by a diagnosis that changed nearly every part of daily life.
Showalter learned she had invasive ductal carcinoma, a common form of breast cancer. Since then, her life has been measured in medical appointments, treatments and trips to Fairfax.
But it has also been marked by something she did not anticipate: an extraordinary outpouring of support from relatives, friends, businesses and strangers throughout Southern Maryland.
That support will come together Sunday, Sept. 20, during Barefoot & Brave, a community fundraiser created to help Showalter and her family navigate the medical bills, missed work and uncertainty accompanying her fight against breast cancer.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
Showalter’s only early sign was a lump she discovered by coincidence while swimming. She contacted her obstetrician that same week.
Although her doctor initially believed it was likely fatty tissue, imaging was ordered to be safe. Mammograms, an MRI, genetic testing and biopsies followed.
For Showalter, hearing the word “cancer” immediately brought her thoughts to her children.
“The biggest challenge I’m faced with daily is uncertainty and fear,” she said in an interview with The BayNet. “My first thought when I heard the word cancer is that, ‘I cannot leave my kids.’ And that’s still my biggest fear.”
Chemotherapy has brought fatigue, nausea, body aches, pain and hair loss. Showalter said she can endure those changes because she remains focused on being present for her family.
“I’ll smile through all of that because I’m so thankful to be here with them,” she said. “My husband and boys need me here with them.”
Treatment And An Outpouring Of Support
Showalter has completed five chemotherapy treatments and two immunotherapy treatments. Her current plan includes 16 chemotherapy treatments, with immunotherapy continuing for one year. Surgery is expected near the end of 2026 or early in 2027.
Each treatment requires a trip to Fairfax and can last four to six hours, turning every appointment into a full-day commitment for Showalter and the person accompanying her.
Yet she has not made that trip alone.
“Our support has been incredible. I can cry just thinking about it,” Showalter said. “The biggest thing is showing up. I haven’t gone to one appointment alone.”
Family members and friends have accompanied her to appointments, delivered meals, cleaned her home, offered prayers and regularly called or texted to check on the family.
Her husband has used vacation time to attend some appointments. Both expect to take unpaid leave when Showalter is unable to work for at least four weeks following surgery.
“My husband has seen me cry more these past months probably than our 17 years together,” she said. “He has been so supportive and strong for me.”
Learning To Rest And Accept Help
Before her diagnosis, Showalter balanced a physically demanding career as a dental hygienist with raising two boys and caring for a home.
Cancer has forced her to reconsider what strength looks like.
“Learning how to rest has been difficult,” she said.
Showalter is now working three days per week and learning to accept that she cannot accomplish everything she once did in a typical day.
“Learning how to allow others to help, and be OK with it,” she said. “Learning that right now, I cannot be strong every minute of the day.”
Although the family has health insurance, it remains responsible for a portion of Showalter’s medical bills. Her reduced work schedule and anticipated recovery time following surgery have created additional financial pressure.
“To have the monetary donations and be able to pay these medical bills as they come in has taken a huge stress away,” she said.
Finding Hope In Everyday Moments
On difficult days, Showalter draws hope from other young Southern Maryland women who have gone through breast cancer treatment.
She has also learned to recognize the small “glimmers of happiness” in everyday life, whether she has enough energy to complete a workout or bake something for her family.
Her faith remains central to the way she approaches the uncertainty ahead.
“The most powerful thing anyone can do for my family right now is to pray for complete and total healing,” Showalter said. “I believe that God can heal and that I will be OK.”
She also hopes her experience encourages others to pay attention to changes in their bodies and seek medical care when something does not seem right.
“You don’t have to be old or sick to get cancer,” she said. “Other than this diagnosis, I am active and as healthy as can be.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises people to become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and report any concerning changes to a health care provider.
Southern Maryland Stands With Maegan
Barefoot & Brave will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Barefoot Farms. The fundraiser will help offset medical expenses and income lost during Showalter’s treatment and recovery.
Food truck spaces have been filled, but organizers are still seeking local businesses, boutiques, crafters and makers interested in becoming vendors. Businesses can also donate gift cards, products, services, gift baskets or experiences for the event’s raffles.
When Showalter learned what her friends were planning, she said she was overwhelmed with gratitude.
“The amount of love and support I’ve felt is truly amazing,” she said. “Seeing the support pouring in from strangers is something I honestly did not expect. This whole experience has been so humbling.”
Those interested in participating can complete the Barefoot & Brave vendor application. Businesses interested in donating raffle items may contact Breanne at grandcoastaltravel@gmail.com.
Additional information is available through the Barefoot & Brave Facebook event.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Showalter said. “This has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever faced. Knowing we have so much support makes each day easier to face.”
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