Hello dear friends,

Most may know by now, some learning about, and some still unaware of my health situation.

For the past 3 years, I've been battling a series of medical issues.

In 2022, weeks before my mom passed away in Brazil, I lost my right vision due to a stroke, called "CRVO." For that, I was unable to fly the 11 hours for her funeral due to medical instruction (air pressurization).

Later on, in 2023, a medical group listed my condition, an immune disease, as an early detection of MS (Multiple Sclerosis). Still undergoing tests, but with 90% of symptoms, including typical flares (fatigue, leg and arm pain, weak hand grips, and severe migraines, to list a few).

Now the most unexpected news: Oct-3rd-2024, I was diagnosed with Colon cancer. Yes, shocking. As almost no serous or imminent signals. Just immense tiredness, fatigue, loss of interest in many things and activities that I once enjoyed. The worst, a rapid weight loss (a menacing loss without an intentional diet).

I remember on Oct 2023 canceling my Halloween party. Something I always cherish to host. The overwhelming thought of preparation just made me incapable of planning, even more executing, and receiving my dear guests. Huge sign.

Now, I confess I brushed off my symptoms. I thought, maybe pre-menopause, a lack of essential vitamin supplements, financial stress that was piling up due to COVID layoffs (I used to work in hospitality that disappeared plus healthcare because my immunity was so compromised...).

But finally, it happened. I fainted, my heart raced, and I scared the s**t out of one of my beloved patients. Right on her kitchen floor, I told myself: - This is not good! I've been pulling over on the freeway to rest, to catch up my strength to make it home, but now! It may be something serious!

So after reinstating my medical insurance, I saw, for the first time, my new primary care doctor. Right there with a 129 heart rate, risky low blood pressure, pale eyelids, and literally "white gums": Emergency room, now!

Later that day, Oct-2nd, vital tests came and the preliminary results for blood transfusion: "Ms. Wegmann, we saw a big TUMOR in your pancreas," said the teary young doctor, holding my hands.

On my mind... "Tumor." Never, ever Cancer.

After my second night at the hospital and a colonoscopy, the final and result: "-It's CANCER, Colon cancer. And it's MASSIVE," they completed. The word, massive, echoed more than tumor, or even cancer. I can't explain why... This info was given to me in the middle of the night when I was sleeping. Again, they held my hands and left in silence. I turned around and tried to fall asleep again. In my head, I would wake up and think it was just a dream. But the next morning came. I opened my eyes and looked around, and for few seconds that I felt normal I tried to access what was happening. Maybe just a bad dream, till your head floods with senses. Oh no, I have CANCER!

Tears came down my cheek, my life passed through my head in minutes, my dog, my family, my friends, my patients, my brand new job... And how I love to live! How much I love to LIVE!

Finally, I was able to be treated by a respected hospital in the US, Harbor UCLA Medical Center. Under a "Tumor Board" and multidisciplinary group (several academics, specialists for my cancer). It was a blessing.

A designed treatment was placed. 6 rounds of chemo, several daily doctor appointments, medication adjustments, a few emergency rooms, ileostomy bag urgent surgery, several infections, and a variety of complications with my PICC line.

My latest diagnosis: Colon cancer, Adenocarcinoma - affected: Pancreas and left kidney. Besides the existing growing uterine fibroids, now urging a mammogram for suspected images on my RX, right breast. Yes, one more cherry on the top!

Medical plan, after board decision: 6 rounds of chemo (several times postponed due to low blood count, infections, etc.). Now going to my nr. 5 and last one (FOLFOX chemo). Then finally, a removal surgery: tumor on the part of the colon, pancreas, maybe left kidney, and whole spleen.

Therefore, my dear lovely ones, I need help! After all these postponed plans for my surgery, now for mid-May early June (if no more problems), I am still unemployed since Oct-2024. Living off my last resources and the aid of my friends and family since.

Right now, besides your welcome prayers, reality is setting in and fear of losing the very little I have, my home, my mind, my peace, and therefore, my health. I kindly ask you for your HELP.

In my heart full of gratitude for all those that are already holding my hands since, I ask you to share this and donate any, any amount. I will be praying that God and the universe reverse my situation fast so I can keep up with my passion. Help others. You know my heart is big.

T H A N K Y O U S O M U C H !