Natalia's journey

Hello everyone,

My name is Natalia Romano, I am 31 years old, and I was recently diagnosed with cancer.

I have been an EMT for almost 9 years. I have served the Riverside County EMS, I have worked endlessly all over the state of CA assisting with covid, and worked at fire camps assisting firemen and women. I have also traveled outside the country to assist those in need. Helping others in need is second nature to me. And now, I am the one who needs your help...

On August 25th, 2022, I received the devastating news that I was being diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma with metastasis to the lymph nodes. It was a complete shock for everyone. I have gone through multiple diagnostic testing, including but not limited to lab work, ultrasounds, CT scans, Pet scans, MRIs, and biopsies. As we know these are not cheap and most of them, insurance does not cover, leaving me with high copays. After my diagnosis, I have seen 3 different ENT doctors and they all kept redirecting me to Loma Linda Medical Center for a higher level of care. My insurance did not approve of my treatment at this facility, so it has been an uphill battle with the insurance company since day one, denying testing and delaying my treatment/care. Finally, after a month and a half since diagnosis, the doctor from LLMC saw me disregarding what the insurance had to say because she knew the severity of my case. Literally, she was an angel sent from above!

On October 3rd, I underwent a 6-hour long surgery to dissect my neck of all cancer. I have to say, from the beginning I was blessed with a caring and knowledgeable team of doctors. The surgeon removed 57 lymph nodes from both sides of the neck and down my chest. Now I must be monitored for possible spread to other body parts very closely since the doctors still don’t have a definite answer because they are too small to tell, so more testing is needed. Because of the lymph nodes affected, I have a higher chance of recurrence. The next step after surgery is a higher-than-normal radioactive/ radiation pill treatment that I will not start until a few more weeks.

Due to all this, it is evident that I have not been working since mid-August due to having multiple doctor’s appointments per week, and now aftercare visits, treatment, etc.

I am aware I have a long road ahead to recovery, and I am humbly asking everyone that knows me to please help with this fight. I have been nothing but positive and willing to fight with everything in me to get better and overcome this disease. I am young and have an entire life in front of me and many people who care for and love me. I have always been a hard worker and a go-getter. Never have I asked for help, so this is big. I am a fighter, a warrior, and I have faced many battles and many hardships, but for this one, I know I am not alone.

I have been very open about this with everyone, and I do want to share my story and this journey.

Medical bills have already started to get delivered and since I am the only one to provide for myself, I am humbly requesting from you if you feel touched to please donate to help me alleviate the finances while I am battling cancer and have one less thing to worry about.

Anything helps, and I really do appreciate all the love and support I have been receiving during this time.

From the bottom of my heart, Thank you all <3