Help Almash Overcome Lung Cancer

This fundraising campaign is for one of the most beautiful, intelligent, fierce, creative, and giving women I have ever known - the woman I get to proudly call my mother. Anyone who has met my mom knows her as a force of nature, her positive outlook on life, and her infectious smile. Her name is Almash (full name Almakan), she is 72 years young, and lives in the mountainous country of Kyrgyzstan. Almash is courageously fighting advanced lung cancer.

Mom has been an important role model for me personally, living life to the fullest, raising four kids and many more grandkids - all the while blazing an amazing career path supporting artisans and craftsmen of Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. You can learn more about her by visiting her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/almakan.naizabekova. She is continuing to work despite her diagnosis. She has so much more to live for and is looking forward to retiring, spending quality time with family, enjoying her creative pursuits, and connecting with land and nature.

The news of cancer shook our family to the core, and we are trying to pull resources to ensure mom receives good treatment consistent with international standards in the field of oncology. With limited cancer diagnostic and treatment options available in her home country, we have been able to identify a renowned clinic in Turkey that follows the American standard of cancer care. While as of today we have a clearer picture of where in the body her cancer sites are, the exact treatment protocol is pending the results of genetic testing PDL-1 which will help determine what kind of treatment her body will respond to best. To date, she has received three rounds of chemotherapy, is expected to undergo radiation and will likely receive either immunotherapy or targeted therapy.

After taking her to Turkey for the initial tests in March, we're planning a second trip to Turkey for radiation treatment later this month, with future trips expected to receive additional therapies and follow-up tests. She needs to be accompanied by a family member on each trip. These costs quickly add up and are beyond what my parents can afford. The campaign goal is just an estimate of what might be needed and may need to be adjusted in the future.

We have been fortunate to receive substantial support from our extended family, family friends, and mom's colleagues to cover the immediate needs and still have ways to go. I promised mom I would help raise more funds so here we are. I believe in the abundance of our universe and the kindness of fellow human beings. I am confident we can raise the needed funds and would like to thank in advance everyone for opening their hearts and pockets to support Almash's recovery. No amount is too small, and if you cannot afford a financial contribution at this point in time, we'll take thoughts and prayers and perhaps you can forward the link to this campaign to others to create a ripple effect.

Thank you on behalf of our family!

In gratitude,

Altinay