Help Daphne Frias fight stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

In early August, Daphne Frias was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after months of pain and discomfort. At the end of 2021, she began experiencing back and hip pain that intensified over time. She has Cerebral Palsy, so aches and pains are common in her lower extremities, but never to this extreme. After finding out her Primary Care physician left their practice when she tried to see her doctor regarding her excruciating pain, Daphne spent months trying to find a provider that would accept her insurance. This proved to be difficult—as she’s on Medicare—and she did not find a provider until a few weeks before her Hodgkin’s Lymphoma diagnosis. Before her diagnosis, she experienced daily low grade fevers that gradually increased in temperature, chest pain, and other symptoms in addition to her back and hip pain. After a trip to the ER and multiple tests and scans, she received her HL diagnosis and will begin treatment in a matter of weeks.

At 24 years old, Daphne is a fierce advocate for others and is dedicated to the causes she believes deeply in, such as climate justice, disability justice, and gun violence prevention. Born and raised in West Harlem, NYC and a proud Latina, she lives with her mom and siblings and loves to celebrate her Dominican culture.

As an environmental and disability justice activist & organizer, Daphne has spent over five years fighting for and serving her community. She is currently pursuing a Master's in Public Health and is deeply passionate about health care education and accessibility. Right now, Daphne needs your help to cover medical bills and expenses so she can receive the life-saving treatment she needs.

Over the years, Daphne has forged her own path and worked alongside numerous other activists and organizers to bring youth activism to the forefront. From organizing the 2019 NYC Climate strike with over 350,000 attendees to serving as NY State Director for March for Our Lives, she continually looks for ways to support her community. During the pandemic, she has helped run the Harlem Community Fridge, which provides groceries for low income and single parent families. For four years, she has excelled in her appointment as one of the North American Regional Focal Points for Sustainable Development Goal 16 at the U.N. Major Group for Children and Youth.

Now, she is asking for the support of her community as she prepares for chemotherapy and fertility preservation treatment so she can start a family in the future regardless of the effects of chemo. As she receives treatment, she will have lower capacity to work and help with expenses. Between travel to appointments, treatments, and other expenses, she needs the support of others in order to make it happen.

If you cannot donate, please share this with your friends and family and spread the word about this fundraiser for Daphne. She has the kindest heart and is always looking out for others, and I need your help to make sure her and her family are financially supported during this time.

Want to learn more about Daphne or keep up with her during this journey? Follow her on Instagram and check out her website! There, you’ll find her features from Now This News, The New York Times, Ms Magazine, Vice, and Popsugar. She wouldn’t share these herself, but her work is incredible and deserves recognition! Daphne is the coolest, and I hope you’ll support her as she fights Hodgkins Lymphoma.

This fundraiser is being organized by Jess Hernandez, one of Daphne’s best friends, on behalf of Daphne and her family.