My name is Alexis Talamayan, and I'm a 23-year-old recent graduate from Stanbridge University. After years of hard work and dedication, I proudly earned my degree in Vocational Nursing, excited and ready to begin a career dedicated to caring for others.

Just as I was about to step into my new life as a nurse, my world was turned upside down. On July 23rd, I was diagnosed with Stage 2B Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, a form of HER2+ breast cancer, at HOAG Hospital. The journey I thought I was starting—one of healing others—has now become a personal battle I never expected to face.

Instead of starting my dream job, I am now facing an intensive treatment plan that will require all of my strength and focus. My path to recovery is a long-term journey that will involve fertility preservation, followed by months of chemotherapy. Once that is complete, the next steps will likely involve surgery and radiation to ensure the best possible outcome.

As a new graduate, I was prepared for the challenges of nursing, but I was not prepared for the overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial weight of a cancer diagnosis. The costs of fertility treatments, specialized medical procedures, and daily living expenses while I am unable to work are significant.

This is why I am humbly reaching out for your support. Your contribution, no matter the size, will directly help cover these mounting medical bills and allow me to focus entirely on my treatment and healing, without the added stress of financial hardship.

I have spent my life preparing to be a caregiver. Now, I find myself in a vulnerable position, needing to ask for care myself. Your support, prayers, and encouragement mean the world to me. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your friends and family would be an incredible act of kindness.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for being a part of my healing journey. I am determined to fight this with everything I have, to get back to my life, and to one day pay this kindness forward as a healthy, thriving nurse.

With immense gratitude,

Alex ♡