Help my Mom Through Her Battle with her Kidney tumor.

Thankfully it was benign and after the pathology report the doctor said it was a Mixed Epithelial Stromal Tumor that doesn't have malignant characteristics. He informed us that it doesn't have the potential to grow back, no chemo is required, and minimal follow-up is needed.

She will be getting an ultrasound in 3 months to make sure everything is still okay.

We appreciate all your help and support.

My mother is a kind, gentle, and tireless force of nature. She’s the heart of our family — a woman who puts everyone else before herself and carries us all with her strength, even on the hardest days.

Recently, during what was supposed to be a routine check-up, doctors discovered a suspicious mass on her kidney. After further tests, they diagnosed her with a complicated stage 3 tumor on the Bosniak scale. The recommended treatment is a partial nephrectomy — a procedure where part of her kidney will be surgically removed.

At first, we explored the possibility of having the surgery done in Brazil, where costs are significantly lower. But given the current instability in the region, we fear the risks of traveling — and the possibility that we may not be able to return to the U.S., despite being American citizens. More importantly, her condition is becoming increasingly painful and exhausting, and we simply cannot afford to wait.

Because of the urgent nature of her illness and the limitations of our healthcare system, we must proceed with the surgery here in the U.S. Unfortunately, the cost is overwhelming. Without insurance, we were quoted nearly $70,000. After applying for financial aid, negotiating with the hospital, and enrolling in a payment plan, the final cost was reduced to $36,498.30 — still far more than we can manage on our own.

Our mom is currently the primary provider for our household. After surgery, she will be unable to work for 4 to 6 weeks. While my father and I both work, our combined income isn’t enough to cover the cost of her care along with our basic living expenses. True to who she is, when she received the diagnosis, her first concern wasn’t herself — it was us. That’s just the kind of woman she is.

I often call my mom tubaroã — Portuguese for “shark” — because I once read that certian species of sharks have to keep swimming in order to breathe. That’s her in a nutshell. She’s always in motion, always pushing forward, always finding a way. Slowing down simply isn’t in her nature — which makes watching her go through this all the more difficult.

She initially asked me not to create this GoFundMe. She’s extremely proud and has always worked hard to provide for our family. But after much encouragement from friends who wanted to support her, she gave her blessing.

My mother came to this country in her early 20s, barely speaking English, determined to build a better future. She worked tirelessly — first as a housekeeper, then later pursuing her dream of becoming an esthetician. Through sheer determination, she earned her green card, and eventually her citizenship — all legally. Even with chronic rheumatoid arthritis, she continues to work with passion and love for what she does. She never lets anything slow her down.

We are humbled by the kindness and compassion we’ve already received during this journey. Your support — in any form — means the world to us. Whether you’re able to donate, share, or simply send a prayer, please know how deeply grateful we are.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.