Karina’s Cancer Fund
Donation protected
Hi all! I am creating this fund to help assist me with the financial hardships that come with my recent and rare cancer diagnosis❤️
My Story: 2 years ago, I woke up one morning with loss of vision in one eye. Concerned, I visited the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to begin an extensive evaluation which resulted with the diagnosis of a tumor on my optic nerve. Because this onset was so sudden, my medical team acted immediately in hopes to find a definite diagnosis and treatment plan. Since finding the tumor October 2021, I have undergone an extensive number of tests, operations, appointments and more. The odd thing about my case is that my biopsy, spinal taps, genetic tests and blood work report normal in turn leaving my medical team unable to formally diagnose me until January of 2022. After visiting three different hospitals in desperate search of my diagnosis, I was formally diagnosed with an Optic nerve glioma, a low-grade cancer️.
The concern for my tumor was the sudden onset and the unpredictability of its opportunity for growth. The location of this tumor could easily become deadly as it is encapsulated near my brain. The growth could also cause total blindness…
This news took a large toll on my support system and me. With a sudden life change of loss of vision, having to commute across the state a
to attend multiple doctor visits a week, all while finishing my master’s degree was more than strenuous on my physical and emotional health.
After 8 months of extensive procedures, MRI scans and more, my care team and I found a treatment plan that has potential to stabilize my tumor. I was able to endure 5 cycles of monthly immunotherapy infusions (Avastin + Keytruda) that costing roughly $30,000.00 per infusion. Also, to prepare for this treatment, I had also undergone Invitro Fertilization to preserve my eggs as medical professionals were uncertain if the immunotherapy would damage my reproductive organs or not. Unfortunately this procedure is not covered by insurance and ranges between $17,000.00 - $30,000.00.
As of recently, I’ve endured a harsh gastrointestinal reaction caused by the immunotherapy infusions. This reaction landed me admitted in the hospital for 11 days. During this period I underwent both an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy in which both will add to my financial hardship.. I have lost a total of 30lbs in a span of 3 months and I now am working towards finding a nutritionist as well as a trainer to assist me with gaining my physical strength and motivation back. Because of this toll on myself, I will have to be taking a non-paid medical leave of absence as well in which will put a strain on me financially as I am financially independent and rely on work to pay my bills.
After care from my recent hospital admission looks like seeking specialists specific for my rare tumor diagnosis, gastrointestinal issues, monitoring the stability of my tumor via MRIs every two months, monitoring my vision loss and regaining my physical strength.
As many may realize after reading my journey, this health battle has caused a sudden and surreal life change for me as a 25-year-old. I have had adapt to sudden vision loss, attending tons of medical appointments, co-pays and prescriptions as well as living with the fear of this rare and delicate tumor’s potential growth. I am so grateful that you have taken the time to hear my story and show your deepest compassion through this donation. I look forward to continuing this fight and am blessed to be able to call on my community for assistance during this tough time. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sending you love!
-Karina
My Story: 2 years ago, I woke up one morning with loss of vision in one eye. Concerned, I visited the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute to begin an extensive evaluation which resulted with the diagnosis of a tumor on my optic nerve. Because this onset was so sudden, my medical team acted immediately in hopes to find a definite diagnosis and treatment plan. Since finding the tumor October 2021, I have undergone an extensive number of tests, operations, appointments and more. The odd thing about my case is that my biopsy, spinal taps, genetic tests and blood work report normal in turn leaving my medical team unable to formally diagnose me until January of 2022. After visiting three different hospitals in desperate search of my diagnosis, I was formally diagnosed with an Optic nerve glioma, a low-grade cancer️.
The concern for my tumor was the sudden onset and the unpredictability of its opportunity for growth. The location of this tumor could easily become deadly as it is encapsulated near my brain. The growth could also cause total blindness…
This news took a large toll on my support system and me. With a sudden life change of loss of vision, having to commute across the state a
to attend multiple doctor visits a week, all while finishing my master’s degree was more than strenuous on my physical and emotional health.
After 8 months of extensive procedures, MRI scans and more, my care team and I found a treatment plan that has potential to stabilize my tumor. I was able to endure 5 cycles of monthly immunotherapy infusions (Avastin + Keytruda) that costing roughly $30,000.00 per infusion. Also, to prepare for this treatment, I had also undergone Invitro Fertilization to preserve my eggs as medical professionals were uncertain if the immunotherapy would damage my reproductive organs or not. Unfortunately this procedure is not covered by insurance and ranges between $17,000.00 - $30,000.00.
As of recently, I’ve endured a harsh gastrointestinal reaction caused by the immunotherapy infusions. This reaction landed me admitted in the hospital for 11 days. During this period I underwent both an Endoscopy and Colonoscopy in which both will add to my financial hardship.. I have lost a total of 30lbs in a span of 3 months and I now am working towards finding a nutritionist as well as a trainer to assist me with gaining my physical strength and motivation back. Because of this toll on myself, I will have to be taking a non-paid medical leave of absence as well in which will put a strain on me financially as I am financially independent and rely on work to pay my bills.
After care from my recent hospital admission looks like seeking specialists specific for my rare tumor diagnosis, gastrointestinal issues, monitoring the stability of my tumor via MRIs every two months, monitoring my vision loss and regaining my physical strength.
As many may realize after reading my journey, this health battle has caused a sudden and surreal life change for me as a 25-year-old. I have had adapt to sudden vision loss, attending tons of medical appointments, co-pays and prescriptions as well as living with the fear of this rare and delicate tumor’s potential growth. I am so grateful that you have taken the time to hear my story and show your deepest compassion through this donation. I look forward to continuing this fight and am blessed to be able to call on my community for assistance during this tough time. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.
Sending you love!
-Karina
Co-organizers (3)
Karina Smith
Organizer
Boca Raton, FL
Sara Smith
Co-organizer
Viviana Collazo
Co-organizer