Crystalei’s surgery

Hello everyone, my name is CJ Mendoza and I created this to help my older sister, Crystalei Ashley Ricafrente-Mendoza. She's a loving daughter, sister, fiancé, and dog mommy.

Crystalei was involved in a motor vehicle accident in July 2019. Car was swiped on the way to work and spun out on a busy freeway. Thank goodness her and her friend was okay. But she started to develop symptoms: headaches, blurred vision, etc. Doctors ordered testing to figure out what was the cause.

On December 21, 2019 received the news from a MRI test that a mass was present in the brain stem (Tectal Glioma). Since the mass was in a sensitive area and did not show signs of growth, the doctors were persistent to wait and keep watch over it.

Fast forward to present day April 2023:

An updated head CT and MRI was ordered from her current PCP since her symptoms were slightly progressed. We received news that Crystalei not only has a tumor but as well as a cyst and hydrocephalus (extra fluid in the brain). She was referred to UCLA neurosurgery in hopes of some guidance. The doctors are hopeful and has been very helpful along this whole ordeal. The first step that was recommended is the hydrocephalus in her brain which calls for a Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery. Crystalei’s surgery is scheduled to be on June 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. She will be needing to go back to LA for her check ups.

So we are asking for help to relieve some of the financial burden for medical bills, transportation, and lodging. Anything helps and is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

— CJ Mendoza, Crystopher Mendoza, Leilani Ricafrente, Todd Kunitake, Crysten Kunitake, Elden Miyashiro and family