Update: (July 14): I am officially 4 weeks post-op my first ever surgery. I was rushed to the hospital back in May 2024 for intense stomach pains. There doctors found a large cyst approx. 7cm in my pelvis. My doctor encouraged me to have it removed but I was scared, I'd never been in the hospital before, I was alone and didn't want the surgery. I tried doing a follow-up appointment but my insurance wasn't the best and many doctors were booked for months. Fast forward May 2026. I was rushed to the hospital again for the same pain. After numerous CTs I appeared to have two large pelvic masses, one 8cm and one 14cm. This was now no longer a recommendation. I had to have surgery, not only because of the size of the masses but because my blood tests had doctors concerned that the mass(es) might be cancerous. June 2026, I went in for a laparotomy surgery where both masses were removed, one had burst during the surgery, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. While removing the masses my doctors saw that the endometriosis has caused massive damage to one of my ovaries and fallopian tubes, so they were also removed. after the cysts were removed and tested in pathology I got the message that it was NOT CANCER. My mom flew out to take care of me as the surgery left me in immense pain. We are now currently taking care of the hospital bill along with continuing my quest to pay off my schools tuition.

MILESTONE: (March 17): I FINALLY HIT $1000 OFF OF MY GOAL!!! *SCREAM* THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR LOVE AND CONTRIBUTIONS. I'M ONLY $6000 AWAY FROM MAKING MY GOAL AND ITS ALL THANK TO YOU. :)

Update: (March 13): I was able to pay the school another $300 from your donations. Thank you so much!!!!

BREAKING UPDATE: (March 2026) As of this month my Sevis has been terminated by my school.

Hi, my name is Lantha, and I’m an international student from the island of Jamaica. I came to the U.S. in 2017 to pursue a better future for myself and my mom (my only family).

After years of hard work, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon and began what I thought was the start of my career and stability. But when my H-1B work visa petition wasn’t selected, everything changed. I had to give up my job, my apartment, and the stability I worked so hard for.

Still, I refused to give up. I enrolled in a Master’s program at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) to stay on my path and keep building my future. Now I’m trying to enter my final year, I'm so close to finishing — but the financial challenges have become overwhelming.

My mom, who’s always been my biggest supporter, was forced into early retirement due to her deterring eye sight. She’s been trying her best to help me while also rebuilding her home after Hurricane Melissa, which left parts of it damaged. We’re both trying to stay strong, but the truth is, we need help.

I’m currently without stable housing and doing everything I can to stay focused on school and complete my degree. I started this GoFundMe because I truly believe in the power of community — and even a small contribution can make a huge difference.

I’m not asking for large donations — but if 1,600 people donated just $5 each, it could help me cover tuition and finally reach the finish line I’ve been chasing for eight years. All funds receive will go towards paying off my student holds so that I can enroll in Spring Semester.

Thank you for reading my story, and thank you for believing in me. ❤️

All donates go towards paying off the outstanding balance on my account. See progress below:

I am an international student

I stand with my immigrant community.

I stand with those who came here with a dream—whether it was to build a better life for themselves or for their children.

We all share the American Dream.

It doesn’t look like students being priced out of their education.

It doesn’t look like families being torn apart.

It doesn’t look like legal status being lost over a delayed work permit.

We have done the work, but the system keeps moving the finish line.

I’m fighting to stay. To stay in status. To stay in this country I’ve poured everything into.

If my story resonates with you—please consider donating or sharing.

Because this dream? It’s worth protecting for all of us.