This is Nina. It’s actually Marlina, but those that know her just call her Nina for short. This is obviously not her entire story. Any life story covering 27 years would take volumes. But this is a story about her that we would like you to know.

A few weeks ago, Nina was busy doing what many moms with little ones do. Play wrestling with her 3-year-old son, Isaiah, reading a story to her 2-year-old daughter, Maliyah and cuddling her sweet baby girl, 3-month-old Aubrey. Taking care of two toddlers and a newborn is no easy task, but Nina cherished every minute of it. Together with her husband, Auston, they were the picture of a beautiful, happy, and healthy family.

Then Nina began to experience back pain. Back pain is pretty normal when you’re carrying around one, or two, or maybe even all three of your kids throughout the day, but this wasn’t the ordinary sore back most moms are familiar with. It was excruciating. One week before Thanksgiving, Nina went to the chiropractor to see if they could do anything to alleviate her pain. The next day, the pain was still there and just as intense, so Nina visited her doctor. When they checked her vitals, her blood pressure was so high that they immediately sent her to the E.R.

The doctors began a series of tests over the next few days, and it’s only then they discovered the reason for her back pain and high blood pressure. X-rays and CT scans revealed that her hips and vertebrate were deteriorated. They found nodules on her lungs. They found a mass on her stomach. They found spots on her liver. They found lesions all over her spine. The day before Thanksgiving, when most people are finalizing their menus or planning which football game to watch, Nina is told that she has cancer.

A few days later, the doctors give it a name: cholangiocarcinoma. It was a word that Nina and her family had never heard, and most people reading this have likely never heard of either. Cholangiocarcinoma is cancer in the bile ducts, a network of small tubes connecting the liver, gallbladder, and small intestine. It is extremely rare, with only about 8,000 people in the U.S. developing this cancer each year, most of which are around 70 or older. The prognosis for people diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma is usually poor.

However, despite this shocking diagnosis, Nina and her family are hopeful. They are hopeful because of their faith in an almighty God who they know cares for them. They are also hopeful because the doctors have a 6-month treatment plan that they believe will successfully treat this cholangiocarcinoma. And they are hopeful because of the family and friends that surround them with love in prayer.

Now that you know Nina’s story, there are two ways that we are asking you to help her and her family as they go through this journey. First, and most importantly, please lift them up in prayer. Pray specifically for Nina’s healing, but also pray for her and her family to have strength, peace, and wisdom. Second, if you could help them financially to cover medical and childcare expenses, it would be greatly appreciated. Auston needs to continue working to provide for his family, and Nina will need help caring for the kids as she goes through her treatment. They currently live in Savannah, Georgia, while most of their family lives in North Carolina. Any donation will help them out during this time.

Finally, please know that regardless of how you help, whether it’s a prayer, a donation, or simply a word of encouragement, it means so much to Nina and her family. Thank you for taking the time to know her story.