A 28-year-old mother from Sarasota County, Amber Teed, is facing an unimaginable challenge—raising her 7-month-old son, Kyrie while undergoing treatment for stage four colon cancer. Just as she was returning to work after maternity leave, she received a devastating diagnosis, turning her world upside down.

Beyond the physical and emotional toll of chemotherapy, Amber has struggled with finding childcare, making her battle even more difficult. Her story sheds light on the gaps in the childcare system, particularly for parents in crisis.

A Life-Changing Diagnosis

Amber’s journey took a tragic turn when she began experiencing severe stomach pain shortly after resuming work. Concerned, she went to the emergency room, where doctors ran tests and confirmed the worst possible news—stage four colon cancer.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Amber shared. “I had just gotten back to work, trying to get life back on track after having Kyrie, and suddenly everything changed.”

Doctors advised immediate hospitalization to begin treatment, but Amber faced a heartbreaking dilemma—she had no one to care for her baby.

“I couldn’t stay at the hospital and not be home with him,” she said.

The Struggle for Childcare Support

Even before her diagnosis, Amber had been searching for affordable childcare. She applied for financial aid through the Early Learning Coalition (ELC) of Sarasota County, but due to budget cuts, new families were placed on a waiting list.

“They told me there wasn’t enough funding and that I just had to wait,” Amber explained.

In October 2024, the ELC stopped accepting new applications, leaving hundreds of struggling families without childcare assistance. Sarasota County initially voted to cut $500,000 in funding, affecting families just above the poverty line, including Amber’s.

Although the ELC later secured $300 million in state and federal funding, many families, including Amber, are still on the waiting list.

“I don’t understand why funding would be cut from something so important,” Amber said.

Juggling Chemotherapy and Motherhood

While battling exhausting chemotherapy treatments, Amber still had to take care of Kyrie—a nearly impossible task.

“My first treatment was brutal,” she recalled. “I was in bed for four days, so sick I couldn’t even stand. But I still had to care for my baby.”

Without reliable childcare, Amber struggled to change his diapers, prepare bottles, and even get out of bed.

A Glimpse of Hope

Recently, Amber finally received some relief. She was accepted into the Children First Head Start program, which now provides childcare for Kyrie from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The program also helps with diapers, food, and essential supplies, giving Amber a much-needed break.

“This is a huge help,” Amber said. “At least now I have a few hours where I can rest and recover.”

The Bigger Picture: The Childcare Crisis

Amber’s story is just one example of how the lack of affordable childcare impacts struggling families.

Janet Kahn, CEO of the ELC of Sarasota County, acknowledges that funding models are outdated and do not account for population changes and current needs. While additional funding has been secured, waiting lists remain long, and many families are still without help.

Experts believe that private donations and state-level funding reforms are needed to close the gap and provide more families with access to quality childcare.

A Mother’s Determination

Despite everything, Amber refuses to give up. She says her son, Kyrie, is her strength and the reason she continues to fight.

“He’s my reason,” Amber said. “Every time I feel like giving up, I just look at his face and know that’s not an option.”

As Amber continues her battle with cancer and the childcare system, her story highlights the urgent need for better support for parents facing crises.

Amber’s journey is a reminder of the challenges families face when struggling with both health and financial burdens in Sarasota. While her situation is unique, it underscores the broader issue of childcare accessibility in Sarasota County and beyond.

For now, Amber remains hopeful, focusing on her recovery and raising her son, one day at a time in Sarasota.