In Loving Memory of Alena Badel Yuen

Hello everyone,

My name is Michelle and I am starting this Gofundme on behalf of my my brother Shaun and his wife, Alena Yuen, who passed away peacefully at 2:44pm on August 3, 2023, after battling a rare form of cancer called Nut Carcinoma for the last year. This particular cancer is extremely rare, affecting only 200 people in the US per year. It is also aggressive, resulting in an average life span of 6-7 months after diagnosis.

Like so many things in her life, Alena faced her cancer with great courage. She kept her diagnosis a secret from most people in her life for the first months so as not to burden anyone. She continued to smile, laugh, and be her same silly, sweet self regardless of the harsh treatments, loss of her hair, chronic pain, and devastating news.

No matter how many times the doctors said there was nothing left to do, Alena never gave up! She used her education and expertise to find new potential treatments including a clinical trial being offered at the Dana Farber Institute of Cancer in Boston, Ma.

When the reality of her fate bang to sink in, she would tell us to, “be brave, dry our tears, or think positively because she was going to beat it!” We lovingly referred to her as the “female Manny Pacquiao” because of her strong spirit, fierce strength, and tenacity for life.

This internal strength enabled Alena was able was able to fight for over a year with so much hope, courage, and will to live for her husband and 5 year old daughter. There were many times doctors said she had days to weeks to live, but she continuously proved them wrong. And what’s more… she did it with a smile and positive attitude!

That was the best thing about her! Alena’s sweet spirit touched those around her. This includes her friends, family, colleagues, and the medical professionals assisting her. Every time staff would hear she was in the hospital, they would come say hello and share the joyful experiences they had made with her. They all loved and cared for her, and treated her as more than just another patient. It cannot be understated that the nursing and oncology staff of Sharp Grossmont (2 East) were amazing with her! #heroes

In the end, Alena had grown very tired. Her body had become frail and weak despite her strong love and faith. She made peace with her terminal diagnosis telling us that she had no fears for she was simply ‘going home’.

Alena has been through so much in her years of life on Earth, and still remained one of the strongest people I know. She lit up any room she walked into with her beautiful smile, corny jokes, and friendly personality. Her voice was like that of an angel and she loved, loved, loved to sing!

She was kind, compassionate, charitable, and loving toward others. She would give all she had to someone who expressed the need. Above all, she loved her family! When God called her home, she left her loving husband (Shaun Yuen) of nine years and 5 year old daughter (Sydney Yuen) behind.

Like so many who die too young, Alena did not have adequate insurance or savings to prepare for the end. The cancer made her uninsurable by the time she sought it out. Money got tight with soaring medical bills and there was little left to live on or save.

Therefore we are asking each of you, our friends and family, to help support our mission to raise money for Alena’s funeral expenses and family support. This will not only allow us to honor her beautiful life but also continue to take care of her family’s needs.

Every bit helps and we deeply appreciate it! Even if you cannot donate, please share and spread the word so we can make the necessary arrangements to put her to rest. 

God bless you and thank you for your kind words and love during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

The Yuen and Badel Families