Help Aly kick Cancer's butt.....AGAIN!

Hi my name is Kuma Lee. I don't even know how to begin writing this - I suppose I should just share how I feel and what I know. Aly Xiong and I have been best friends since 2008, when we met in college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When we first clinked shot glasses at my first college house party, I knew we would be good friends for many years.

Aly was 2 years older than I; while I was wrapping up my bachelor's degree, Aly was beginning her Masters's program. I eventually graduated and moved back to Minnesota; Aly soon followed a few years later - where we would reunite and continue our friendship.

Together in St.Paul, we would support eachother and conquer obstacles that got in our way. Our lives were filled with adventure, self-growth, big dreams, bartending shenanigans, and everlasting friendships. Unfortunately, life likes to throw you curveballs; In May of 2020, right when the Covid Pandemic changed everyone's life, another thing changed Aly's life. Through a routine mammogram, the doctors noticed a small lump that had formed in one of Aly's breasts - we later found it to be cancer. Being the independent and empathetic person she is (she's a social worker), she kept her cancer quiet and only shared with very close friends and family. In June of the same year, she went into surgery to remove the cancer. It was a success! She now had to do 4 weeks of radiation and was prescribed hormone therapy meds, which she would have to take for the next 10 years of her life.

Life was good again - she got rid of the cancer, we celebrated, and we learned how to cherish life even more! The doctors informed Aly that the chance of reoccurring cancer was very low; But even doctors can be wrong sometimes.

Taking precautionary measures to ensure there was no cancer left, Aly scheduled another annual mammogram appointment in February 2022. Things did not look good, so a biopsy was done to see if there were still traces of cancer. As luck would have it, it came back positive for cancer, once again! The cancer was found in the same spot. Because the cancer reoccurred, a more aggressive approach now had to be taken.

With full support from her close friends and family, and weighing all possible options, Aly bravely decided to move forward with a full mastectomy. Part of her would be removed forever.

I am asking friends, family, and anyone she's connected with to help donate to this cause. I had mentioned to start a GoFundMe to help her during her first detection of cancer in May of 2020, to which she denied the offer. She has always been a kind and independent person. She does not want to worry others and always wanted to show the world she can do it by herself. It wasn't until I really asked her again, that she finally agreed that I could create this fundraiser for her - as she's my bestfriend and I wanted to show support in anyway possible.

After the full mastectomy, she will undergo a full reconstructive surgery as well - in these hard times for her, I know things can get costly quick! Pre and Post operation costs can add up to a hefty amount even with the aid of insurance. Aly works as a social worker, but many of the acquaintances she has made, has been during her time working as a bartender. The funds will help go towards all surgery costs and to help her stay afloat while she recovers from surgery. The surgery is scheduled at the end of March 2022.

We will accept all donations before and after surgery - please help Aly reach her goal! Monetary donations are not the only things you can offer; you may also offer Aly words of encouragement and support. I know she would like that. Please feel free to reach out Kuma Lee directly if you have any questions! I hope to keep everyone updated!