Title: Please Help Me Keep Fighting — For My Life and My Kids

Hi there, my name is Reina , and I never thought I would have to write something like this. I’m a parent, a fighter, and someone who has always tried to handle life on my own. But right now, I’m facing something bigger than I ever imagined, and I’m learning that sometimes you have to ask for help just to keep going.

In April 2024, I was diagnosed with Stage IIIC1 cancer. Hearing the word cancer felt like the world stopped. I went straight into treatment — chemo every week, external radiation four days a week, and internal radiation 3 days a week after that. Every day was painful, exhausting, and scary, but I pushed through because I believed I was fighting my way back to life for myself and for my kids.

For a moment, I thought I was getting better. I let myself hope.

Then in December 2024, I was told I now have renal cancer. Hearing that news so soon after everything I had already been through broke something inside me. Since then, I’ve been on chemo every three weeks, and the side effects have been brutal. My left leg has started going numb, and walking has become painful and sometimes nearly impossible. I wake up hurting. I go to sleep hurting. Some days I just cry because I’m so tired of being in pain.

Because of all this, I lost my job. I’ve tried to find work, but I physically can’t do what I used to. The bills don’t stop, even when your body does. Right now I’m struggling just to keep up with basic needs, medical costs, and getting myself to appointments.

My oncologist recently told me that the next step may be a total exenteration — a major, life-altering surgery that would permanently change how I live. As a mother, that terrified me. I want to be here for my kids. I want to live, not just survive. I’m currently waiting for a second opinion because I want to make the best decision I can for my future and theirs.

I’m scared. I’m exhausted. I’m in pain every day. But I’m still fighting.

I’m asking for help because I can’t do this by myself anymore. Anything you can give — a donation, a share, a prayer — will help me keep going. It will help with medical bills, transportation, basic living expenses, and giving me some stability while I go through treatment and try to figure out the next step.

Thank you for reading my story. Thank you for caring. And thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for helping me hold on to hope.

With love and gratitude,

Reina