Help Alondra's fight against Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hi Everyone!!

On September 2nd I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin's lymphoma. A very rare blood cancer of the lymphatic system commonly affecting many young adults. Unfourtnely, this all started a year ago when I initially felt a dull pain in my neck and my lymph nodes were slightly swollen. I was seen by an ENT who was confident in his clinical judgment and told me that for my age and health the likelihood of having a serious condition was VERY slim. The ENT advised me to not move forward with an unnecessary biopsy procedure because of the risk of covid and because he believed there was no evidence of a significant problem. Fast forward to a year later this problem became increasingly worse and I was advised to seek a 2nd opinion, so I did. Once I saw the new ENT things moved quickly and I got an ultrasound lead needle aspiration biopsy of the lymph node in my neck. 24 hours later and I had received my diagnosis. Shortly after I was diagnosed I transferred my care to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance as they are the best at what they do, and they had a full lymphoma team who are very experienced in treating this type of cancer in young adults.

Yesterday was a huge day for me as I got my port placed and it made everything feel very REAL. I feel fortunate that I am a stage 2 and am able to join a clinical trial offered through SCCA instead of doing the traditional/standard ABVD treatment. The 3 main driving factors that made me decide to join the clinical trial were: A higher chance of a better outcome for me and for others affected by this specific type of cancer, 4 months 8 treatments total (clinical trial) rather than 6 months 12 treatments total (traditional treatment option), and I avoid radiation completely! These are the little wins that I am thankful for and hold onto during these tough times.

I know that the next 4-5 months are going to be very difficult, but I just have to continue staying positive when I can, listen to my body, and be the best patient by following all treatments recommendations. I know that by investing all my energy I have into my health and getting better I will BEAT THIS! I'm starting this go fund me so that I can do just that and not worry about missing work or the financial burden all of this can have on someone's life. I know medications, treatment, and missing so much work will only make this journey harder to overcome. I appreciate any and all help, and PLEASE reach out if you have any questions or are in a similar situation! ALWAYS advocate for health & yourself ♡