Hi! My name is Pakalana and in September 11th of 2023, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Small Cell Lung Cancer. 20% of all lung cancers are Small Cell, and of all the lung cancers, it's the one you really don’t want. With a less than 2% 5-year survival rate, if you’re doing the math on that, I’m incredibly lucky to be here.

Shortly after my diagnosis, I began a particularly aggressive regimen of chemotherapy and twice-daily radiation that is used to combat this cancer specifically. Because of this (and the long driving distance to and from), I stayed near the hospital during the week, driving (rather being driven) home on weekends. During this time, I lost my energy and my hair. I went on medical leave from work as an RN. I was hospitalized for complications. My life, my reflection, became foreign to me. Then, sadly, I also lost my home of 18 years.

Since then, I have been staying here and there, with friends and family, and I am extremely grateful for their support, not just in this, but their encouragement as I continue this fight. I am now on a monthly infusion, which has its own impact, for... well, as long as my body tolerates it, as my cancer is not considered curable.

However, I do need a space of my own and I am slowly rediscovering my ability and health. While I have been looking for a rent assistance program, the waitlists are very long or I don’t qualify in one criterion or another, even with a medical disability.

In my hunt for other options, I began to consider a small travel trailer. This option allows me to be closer to the hub of my medical care as well as cancer wellness programs and workshops that my current situation makes difficult to attend. It will give me the ability to nest in while I heal, recover, and continue to fight... but also to begin to live again. This will also open up the option of traveling to see family (I was able to be present for grandbaby #1 in May! Yay!) as I begin to regain my strength.

This is my hope for this fundraiser, to be able to buy outright or put a significant down payment on a small, newer trailer for myself and my furry cheer team to snuggle into this winter and beyond. All funds raised will go towards this goal, as well as all costs to secure my own little space.

A close friend of mine keeps reminding me, it’s okay to ask for help, so... I am asking. I am asking for the support and help needed for this next phase of this curious journey I am on. I also understand that many are feeling pinches to their wallets, but as the saying goes, “Many hands make light work!”

So I will say, even if all you can offer is a good thought, wish, or prayer for me on my journey of recovery and healing, that also will be much appreciated.

If you’ve read this far, thank you for your time. If you’ve donated, thank you for your generosity, and if you’ve sent some well wishes my way, I thank you for your encouragement!

Thank you again, may repayment in kind find its way to you when you least expect it and need it most.