Hi, My name is Monica and I have been a friend of Carmen for the past 21 years.

On Christmas day Carmen attended the Emergency department after some concerns regarding her health.

It was that admission that diagnosed Carmen with Stage 4 Ovarian cancer at 42 years of age. The doctor's stated that it was rare for Carmen to be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at her age. Life for Carmen changed very quickly from that moment on.

Carmen was given the news that there were two cysts on her ovaries and a biopsy would need to be taken.

She spent 2 weeks in hospital at a time when most people were celebrating the Christmas period while Carmen spent hers in hospital not knowing where her life was heading. Carmen was in alot of pain due to her stomach being quite distended that she needed to have 8 litres of fluid drained from her stomach.

Blood tests and scans confirmed the worst not only was the cancer in Carmen's ovaries, it had also spread to the lining of her stomach and her left lung.

A decision was made to start chemotherapy very urgently which happened within days. Carmen spent many sleepless nights unable to get out of bed due to exhaustion and peripheral neuropathy which is a side effect from chemotherapy.

Carmen has been told that this year will involve many sessions of chemotherapy, a full hysterectomy and then followed by more chemo.

Carmen now waits 4-5 weeks to see if the tumors have shrunk . Due to this diagnosis Carmen has had to stop working which won't be easy financially and also due to the fact that she lives on her own on the one income.

Carmen has a beautiful daughter who is 10 years old. Over the 21 years of our friendship, Carmen has always been a loyal, caring and kind-hearted person. I am hoping to make life that bit easier by raising money to help Carmen continue to stay strong and fight this battle and to know that she is not alone. ❤️

Your donation will directly support :

- Living costs while Carmen undergoes intensive treatment

- Ongoing medical bills, transportation to appointments and any treatments

- Helping Carmen with ongoing needs towards school fees and uniforms etc..

Any donation lifts a weight from Carmen's shoulder's. Your generosity lets Carmen focus on healing.

Thank you for standing with Carmen through this.

Much Love,

Monica x