Help Alex Beat Lymphoma

Last year, I was hit by what many have described as a “Mac truck.” One day, I went from being a fully independent, healthy, fitness fanatic, salsa-dancing, full-of-life 34-year-old woman, to damn near paralyzed the next day.

On April 30, 2022, I landed in the hospital after suffering bouts of focal seizures and brain lesions in the months prior. After two emergency surgeries five days later – both unrelated to one another – the doctors discovered a mass on the right side of my brain. It was cancer... Not just any cancer; It was primary CNS Lymphoma, an aggressive form of cancer that affects the central nervous system and though it’s most common in males and people over 50, I appear to be an outlier. The tumor paralyzed the left side of my body and I was rendered speechless for some time. I am asking you today to help me beat this lymphoma.

See, the thing is, lymphoma is stubborn. Research shows that the five-year survival rate for people with CNS lymphoma under 70 is 30%...Meaning the percentage of people under 70 years old who are still alive after five years is 30%. It’s not a matter of IF, but WHEN the lymphoma will come back. There IS HOPE, and it is STEM CELL TRANSPLANT. Research shows that when patients undergo a stem cell transplant and make it to the two-year mark post-transplant in remission, their chances of never having a recurrence increase to 80%.

I could just ride the chemo out and let the cards fall where they may, but like I said, lymphoma is stubborn, but so am I. That’s why I’ve made the decision to undergo the transplant. It’ll be the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and maybe the most costly, but I am reaching out to ask for help covering some of the cost associated with this life-saving procedure.

Here’s HOW you will be helping me: I am getting treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City, and as such I’ll be moving from Rockville, MD, to the Big Apple for the duration of my treatment (2-3 months). While I will be in the hospital for the first month of the treatment, my caregiver –my mom, a.k.a. Momma D – will need a place to stay. We are hoping to get an Airbnb where she can stay while I’m in the hospital so we can be together. The money we hope to raise through this fundraiser will also help when I get discharged from the hospital, particularly the expenses of traveling back and forth to the hospital for check-ups, unforeseen medical expenses, and food.

I never imagined I would have cancer. It turned my life upside down, but it didn’t take it. I still have a chance. Having to battle to stay alive is stressful enough… I would like to devote all my energy to continuing the fight against this disease and I’m asking for you all to help me. If you’re unable to donate, please send tons of prayers and positive energy. I also invite you to follow my journey on Instagram @alexandramarafit.

Thank you eternally,

Alex