Help a writer survive cancer and logistical setbacks

My name is Maria de los Angeles, a US-born independent writer currently living and working remotely in Spain, my motherland. I was recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer. and need help paying for treatment because approximately two and a half months remain in my private insurance waiting period and the longer I wait, the greater the risk of tumor growth and metastasis. I am already about two weeks behind the originally scheduled first chemotherapy. I also need support for emergency living expenses due to circumstances beyond my control. Your support will help me stay on course for survival and give me peace of mind so that I can focus on healing.

MEDICAL DETAILS

The tumor is now 13 cm long with no metastasis, though a few glands are compromised nearby. It puts pressure on my aorta and lungs, which gives me the sensation of breathlessness when I walk uphill or too fast--a kind of wheezing--which is unusual for me, an otherwise highly active person. I have also been on a liquid or purée diet for six weeks, since the lump prevents even well-chewed food from passing into the stomach. Fortunately, I learned how to prepare a soft mechanical diet when I took care of my parents who passed from Alzheimer’s.

The recommended course of treatment is 8 weeks of chemotherapy and radiation. All tests have been done. I am even tattooed for radiation. I just need to show up at the hospital and pay out of pocket.

WHAT'S UP WITH PRIVATE INSURANCE?

I also want to highlight that my private healthcare costs €145/month and has covered everything cancer and non-cancer related up to treatment, including other healthcare needs--all with zero copays.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER HEALTH ISSUES?

I am anemic right now, but have no other significant health issues. If I didn’t have this lump I wouldn’t know I had cancer.

ARE YOU DOING ANY HOLISTIC?

Yes, I am also engaged in holistic practices and nutritional changes to boost my healing. I haven't stopped doing weight-bearing calisthenics and yoga at home. If I'm able, I'll start up dance classes again in September.

WHAT ABOUT RETURNING TO THE US?

Returning to the US is NOT an option for myriad reasons. Please know that I am very happy in Spain--cancer be damned. No regrets.

HOW ARE YOU DOING? FOR REAL?

Please know that I have free support from the Spanish cancer association and a beloved, supportive community of friends here and around the world who are more like a chosen family. I have no nuclear family in Spain, but am obviously in communication with them from afar.

I’ve been through a lot in my life and am not living in fear--not anymore. I am fully present in the moment and living into the questions, facing the mysteries. My spirituality, faith and sense of purpose are keeping me resilient. (Please let me share those stories with you in my newsletter!)

What is driving me absolutely bonkers are the logistical setbacks.

WHAT CHALLENGES, OTHER THAN CANCER, ARE YOU FACING RIGHT NOW?

• Living situation

My current roommate/landlord decided not to renew my third three-month rental contract even though we’ve been great friends to date and we had a long discussion about how they would not have to take care of me. In a worse case, palliative care scenario, I would leave voluntarily. They registered me formally in the local city hall so I could access public health care. Three days ago, however, they gave me two weeks' notice in the middle of peak tourist season--you can’t even rent a closet right now. Of course, they have every right to do whatever they want with their property, but now I’m scrambling to find an apartment close to the hospital and transit.

• Public health care

Although I am, by Spanish law, entitled to public health care in my current status, there are insurmountable bureaucratic blocks that are sucking the will to live out of me. Any foreigner living here more than 90 days is guaranteed healthcare, however, Spain makes you wait an additional three months from the day you register at an address. Even with friends who know people in high places, we have been hitting walls. I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s not the cancer that will kill me, but dealing with government-run institutions will. While there may be an opportunity to shorten the waiting period, there will be additional gauntlets to pass, and more precious time will pass before my first chemo.

•Loss of income

Earlier this year, my retainer fee for a major client was cut in half because of instability due to Trump’s tariffs. And while I am onboard with a new travel writing gig to offset that loss, I am waiting to give them a start date based on when I might settle down somewhere and the beginning of my treatment. So here I am, with a new awesome job at hand, and two great existing clients, juggling survival logistics--not to mention surviving cancer.

ARE YOU SURE YOU'RE OK? DOESN'T THIS MESS SUCK?

Yes, it does. I’m not only having to manage these logistical issues on my own, I’m also working and meeting deadlines. And in truth, because of my precarious living situation and “bureaucratic violence”--not exclusive to Spain, by the way, as anyone who has ever applied for US Medicaid will know--my anxiety level is through the roof. I am otherwise an exceptionally calm, heart-centered person. But my life is literally at stake!

FUNDING DETAILS

• Request

Requesting $40,000 as the weak dollar exchange will actually come to €34,635 with additional processing fees from GoFundMe, which are 2.9% + $0.30 per donation.

• Treatment

Approximately €12,500 ($14,601) euros for 8 weeks and one chemo dose per month thereafter until no longer necessary. My oncologist hasn’t mentioned surgery. Either way, private insurance will kick in October 21st. But since there’s always something, I’m leaving some wiggle room.

• Emergency rental support

Last-minute moving costs to an apartment near the hospital may include such costs as deposits, security deposits, Spain’s eviction insurance, agency fees and other miscellaneous costs, although I am hoping to rent by word-of-mouth from an owner. If I am not able to find a place by August 15th, I will have no choice but to couch surf and/or stay at a hotel while putting my few belongings in storage. Additional costs will also involve moving those belongings, though I have no furniture, but there's big suitcases and I don't have the energy to schlep right now.

• Transport to-and-from hospital

Private insurance does not cover transport. Some friends have offered to shuttle me and I am attempting to move close to those friends. But to be on the safe side, on those rainy days (frequent in Cantabria) or days I may not feel well and no friends are available, I need to be able to hop on a taxi.

• Temporary work leave

Included in the request is a financial cushion in case I do not feel well enough to work so I can cover basic expenses such as rent, food and health insurance.

• And finally, an aspiration

I would also like to self-publish an anthology of my best writing before I die. Not worrying about survival will help free up my mind, body and soul for that work. Not asking for self-publishing costs--just some respite support to prepare a manuscript.

Transfer of funds from $ to €

I will transfer from my US bank to Wise, an electronic money services provider and cover costs as funds roll in. If you'd like to know how far your dollar will go in euros on any given day, click here to use their currency converter.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you in advance for any help. I have so much to live for and so much I want to gift to the world through my writing. Cancer is already a great teacher. A big boost to live in fullness and plenitude. I'm not "fighting" it in overwhelming fear. It's an opportunity to expand.

Photo: Yours truly in Santander, April 2025