What a year it has been.

In January 2025, my life changed overnight. I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and the six months that followed were filled with long hospital stays, countless tests, transfusions, uncertainty, courage, tears, and so many unknowns.

And somehow, woven through all of that, there was love. So much love.

The second half of the year became a season of waiting — waiting for results, waiting for clarity, waiting to understand what my body needed next. In that waiting, I found myself getting closer to the uncomfortable feelings. I have never felt so scared in my life… and I have never felt so loved and supported. Gratitude has overflowed even in the hardest moments.

In August, follow-up tests showed that there were still traces of leukemia in my body. My doctor recommended that a Bone Marrow Transplant would be the best path forward. That news shook my world.

What followed was another wave of appointments, second opinions, more testing, and a trip to Brazil so my brothers could be tested as potential donors. There were postponed dates. There was the unexpected loss of my uncle. There were moments that cracked my heart wide open.

And there was also deep presence.

I began spending more time with the people I love — looking at them as if memorizing their faces. I hugged trees. I jumped into the cold waters of the Pacific. I sat quietly in nature. I ate delicious food. I danced whenever I could. I loved on my pets, my partner, myself. I chose to LOVE as fiercely as possible.

My dear brother, Luiz Jr., came all the way from Brazil, leaving behind his own life and family, to be by my side in California. We once shared the same womb, the same foundation of life — and now we are reunited for what feels like a rebirth. It is hard to put into words what this means to me.

On December 17th, I was admitted to Stanford Hospital.

On December 24th, I received my bone marrow transplant.

I entered this new chapter held by my brother, my partner, and so many of you — through messages, prayers, meals, donations, and love sent across oceans. Thank you feels too small, but it is what I have.

Since my diagnosis on February 2, 2025, I have not been able to work or generate income. Receiving a transplant means I will now be in recovery for another 8–12 months. Recovery from a bone marrow transplant is intense and requires full attention — physically, emotionally, and financially.

Life continues. Rent is due. Groceries are needed.

This campaign is a humble ask for support as I move through this next phase of healing. Your contributions will help cover:

If you feel moved to donate, I receive it with an open heart. If giving financially isn’t possible right now, sharing this campaign with your community means just as much.

I truly believe we are rich in community. We carry each other through the highs and the lows. I am here today because of that love.

May you be happy and healthy.

May you live with ease and peace.

May you know abundance in all its forms.

May we continue to hold one another with tenderness.

May our souls always remember LOVE.

With all my heart,

Amanda

*Message written by Amanda, page managed by Tati