Esmeralda Medina (Mrs. Domina) Cancer Fund

Dear Family and Friends, this fundraiser is being organized on behalf of Esmeralda Medina to offset the costs of medical expenses and related costs for cancer treatment.

On May 11, 2023, Esmeralda Medina, started her day as normal as any other day, but this day she was having chest pain. Feeling that something was not right, she drove herself to the hospital where she was admitted for the next four days. During this time there were many exams, labs, and scans. A routine chest X-ray caught a glimpse of a lump in the chest panel which was not alarming or cause for any initial concern but did warrant the hospitalist’s attention who ordered more testing.

On May 15, 2023, Esmeralda was discharged with the diagnosis that she has Stage 3 Stomach Cancer. There were no previous indications, signs, or symptoms that she would even fathom to think she had cancer. This was a total shock to all of us! The heartbreak is unreal, but now it is time to take action fast.

Her doctors have decided that the best plan of action is to start aggressive chemotherapy (chemo) and radiation, followed by a possible surgical removal of the malignancy, with more chemotherapy and radiation thereafter. Cancer treatment is harsh on the body, but Esmeralda is not willing to give up and is determined to win this battle against cancer because she has a lot more life to live and memories to make with her new husband, two daughters, and the rest of our family. This diagnosis has been devastating to more than just family. Her life has been turned upside down. Instead of planning a honeymoon, she is now strategizing with her doctors on the best course of action to successfully rid this cancer from her body. Cancer treatment is very expensive and the cost of medical bills, gas, meals, incidentals, and not being able to work full-time is a heavy burden for her and her family. Just to put it into perspective, in preparation for the first round of chemo on June 5, 2023, the co-pay of almost $950 for the port placement on her chest had to be paid. And this is only the beginning. Once chemo starts, the next estimated bill will be for almost $4,000. The bills will keep coming in as treatment advances on top of the hundreds of dollars already spent from the initial hospital stay. Moreover, there are legal documents for medical authorities that are necessitated which will also require expensive fees to be paid.

Anyone that knows Esmeralda is fortunate enough to experience her happy-go-lucky personality. “Tia Chata” is every niece and nephew’s favorite aunt because they cannot resist her charm. She wins their hearts and our hearts every time. All our family and friends stand by her side unequivocally with love, faith, and hope. It is important to band together to help her maintain that funny, bubbly, and outgoing personality as well as to uplift her spirits with positive vibes for strength and courage. With your efforts and ours, Esmeralda will move forward valiantly to beat this cancer!

If you can and find it in your heart to assist, any donation would be greatly appreciated to relieve her from this financial burden. Thank you.