Alisha's Battle Against Bladder Cancer

Update as of September 20th 2025

An update on Alisha's journey. We want to share both the progress and the challenges we're facing - this journey has been longer and more financially challenging than any of us expected. Our initial projections were conservative, and the ongoing costs have been far greater than we anticipated. When the initial GoFundMe amount ran out my parents contributed another several thousand from their fixed retirement funds to support Alisha's care. If you're able to help us again or simply share this with others, it would mean the world to us.

We do have some encouraging news to share - Alisha is starting to gain her strength back! She's gained a pound and is now able to do a short lap around the house each day this past week. She's incredibly motivated to keep walking and rebuild her muscle mass. Her biggest hope right now is getting back to work, and Whiz Kids has been so supportive, offering to have her return just an hour at a time when she's ready.

James continues his job search and has been actively pursuing opportunities at all levels. He's come close a couple of times and is hopeful about a current lead. In the meantime, he's working to get certified as an in-home caregiver for Alisha so he can earn income for the round-the-clock care he's already providing. Between James, my mom, and my dad, someone is with Alisha at all times to help with her daily needs.

We are incredibly grateful for all the support and generosity you've already shown our family. Every bit of support - whether financial or just spreading the word - makes a real difference in Alisha's recovery.

Thank you for continuing to be part of her healing journey. We couldn't do this without our amazing community. ❤️

Update as of September 6th 2025

Update on Alisha! She's six weeks out from her major surgery at Stanford. This is the biggest and most complex surgery the urology surgical team performs - they successfully removed her bladder, 12 lymph nodes, and rebuilt a new bladder from her intestinal tract. This procedure is called the Indiana pouch. The new bladder is placed under her belly button. Which connects to an opening they created in her abdomen, into which she will self catheterize for the rest of her life.

Recovery has been really tough. The pain, fatigue, and intense nausea have made it difficult for her to eat or get out of bed. She's lost another ten pounds during recovery, but doctors estimate about 6 more weeks until she starts regaining energy. She's eager to have the strength to rebuild her body as she heals. The final step will be to remove the nephrostomy tubes which they’ve left in, but capped as a safety measure while she acclimates to the Indiana pouch.

The incredible news is that all her surgical biopsies came back showing ZERO cancer cells! Her body responded beautifully to the immunotherapy and chemo before surgery. This also means she won't need additional immunotherapy moving forward! She also celebrated her 39th birthday on August 15th!

We are so deeply grateful to all our family, friends, and Alisha's colleagues. From texts, calls, visits, thoughtful gifts, prayers, and of course the GoFundMe - your support has been incredible. This has been a scary and painful journey, and the recovery ahead will continue to be challenging. Alisha and our family could not have done this without your love and support. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts - we love you all so much.

Update as of June 2025

Update on Alisha! We are grateful to share that she completed her final round of chemotherapy! This is a huge milestone in her treatment journey. She will travel to Stanford for more testing in the coming weeks, meanwhile she'll continue with immunotherapy infusions leading up to her surgery at Stanford in July.

It hasn't been the smoothest path - she recently spent some time in the hospital battling a multi-strain resistant infection, but she's home now and getting stronger each day.

We truly cannot express how much your support has meant to Alisha and our entire family. You helped us not only reach but exceed our goal, giving her peace of mind to pay bills and fund the upcoming travel for her surgery. Knowing she has this community behind her has been a source of strength during the toughest moments. Thank you for being part of her healing journey. ❤️

Update as of May 2025

Twelve weeks ago, our family received life-changing news when my sister, Alisha, was diagnosed with stage three sarcoma cancer in her bladder and nearby lymph nodes. This devastating diagnosis came after what we initially thought was just a bad case of norovirus in January. When Alisha didn't improve, a trip to the ER revealed that her kidneys were functioning at only 10%, requiring multiple rounds of dialysis. Further tests confirmed that her bladder was the source of the problem.

Alisha is now about halfway through her intensive chemotherapy regimen, and we're cautiously optimistic as the tumor appears to be responding to treatment. Her surgery is currently scheduled for July at Stanford Hospital, though doctors may move it earlier depending on the results of her upcoming scans.

For the past couple of years, Alisha and her husband have been living with my parents, working hard to save for a modest home. However, their plans were put on hold when Alisha fell ill. Her husband was laid off over a year ago and has been tirelessly searching for new employment, while Alisha found joy working at a small, locally owned toy store for the past year and a half.

They have always dreamed of building a future together, but now, their focus has shifted entirely to Alisha's fight for her life. She is still waiting on state disability approval, and in the meantime, they are relying on CalFresh benefits and the generosity of my parents, who have been helping with bills.

Every donation, every share, and every kind word of support means more than we can express. Your contributions will help cover Alisha's medical expenses and provide much-needed relief during this difficult time. What you're giving isn't just financial assistance—it's the gift of hope and the ability for Alisha to focus on healing.

While Alisha is receiving essential medical care through her insurance, there are numerous additional expenses that aren't covered, including:

Thank you for taking the time to read Alisha's story. Thank you for being our friends and family — we truly couldn't do this without the supportive community around us. Please don't feel obligated to donate; only give what you are able to. We would also be so grateful if you could share this link with others who might be able to help. Every bit of support makes a difference, and we are deeply thankful.

With gratitude, Lea Culver, the Culver and Herd families.