Anyone who knows me knows that my dad is my hero and my best friend. He has been the best father to me and my siblings, and the best husband to my mother. He has always been our greatest source of strength, and now he needs me by his side as he begins treatment for leukemia in Spain. There is no question in my mind that I need to be there for him, and I need to be there immediately.

I’ll be honest: It’s not easy for me to ask others for money. But the truth is, this situation is overwhelming, and I can't do it alone.

The largest and most urgent cost is bringing my dog with me. My little 10-year-old pittie is my family, my emotional support, and my companion through every challenge I’ve faced. Because of her breed and her age, she cannot travel in cargo and is not allowed in the cabin on commercial flights. The only safe option is a ticket on a charter flight, for which the costs are astronomically high.

On top of that, there are many other expenses associated with my sudden move:

• Costs of relocating to Spain on short notice while still having to leave my apartment behind in Los Angeles.

• Taking a leave of absence from my graduate program, meaning my loans will enter repayment for my previous degrees and I will owe refunds of the aid that has been disbursed to me for the Fall quarter.

• Extra medical and caregiving expenses for my dad that are not covered by insurance.

Any contribution you are able to make will go directly toward making sure I can stand by my dad during the fight of his life, while keeping my dog safe with me and managing the financial burdens that come with such an unexpected and life-changing event.

If you cannot donate, sharing this campaign would still mean the world to me. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for supporting me and my family in this moment.