Help Karina Fight Colon Cancer

A Plea for Karina: A Mother, A Grandmother, A Fighter

Hello, and thank you from the depths of our hearts for taking the time to read our story. My name is Retired Army Sergeant Jason Adams and my wife, Tania Adams, and I are here to share something deeply personal—something that has shaken our family to its core. We want to tell you about a woman who means the world to us: our cousin, Karina Alava Guin.

From the moment I became part of this beautiful family, Karina welcomed me with open arms. I still remember meeting her for the first time—her warmth, her voice as she sang to us, and the way she made me feel instantly at home. Every time we visited Ecuador, she brought joy, laughter, and music into our lives. But today, Karina is facing something no one should ever have to endure.

Karina is 51 years young, a devoted mother of three, and a loving grandmother. She is a woman full of life, but in the past month, her world—and ours—has been turned upside down. It all started with what seemed like simple abdominal cramps. Then came the medical tests. And then, the devastating news—colon cancer. The cancer had progressed far more than we could have ever imagined. The doctors told us that she needed surgery weeks before we even knew the extent of the danger.

On March 26th, 2025, Karina bravely underwent a grueling five-hour surgery to fight for her life. What the doctors discovered was unimaginable—her intestines had swelled to four times their normal size due to a complete blockage from the tumor. She was in excruciating pain, and the situation had become life-threatening.

Today, Karina is in recovery, but her battle is far from over. The tumor has been removed, but we now await the pathology results to determine just how much more she will have to fight. And this is where we need your help.

Ecuador is a beautiful country, but when it comes to cancer treatment, resources are painfully limited. The only specialized center available is SOLCA—La Sociedad de Lucha Contra el Cáncer del Ecuador, The Society for the Fight Against Cancer. While their work is incredible, the program is still developing, and tragically, Karina has neither public nor private insurance to cover the life-saving treatments she needs.

The journey ahead is daunting, and her treatment will happen in stages:

1. The Surgery – This first step has already been taken. The doctors had no clear picture of what they would find inside—only an X-ray to guide them. When they opened her up, they were faced with a 12-inch tumor that had caused a complete intestinal obstruction. She is now healing, preparing for what comes next.

2. Chemotherapy – This is the hardest part. We don’t yet know how many rounds of chemotherapy Karina will need, as the pathology report will determine the full extent of the cancer. But based on the size and characteristics of the tumor, doctors are preparing us for difficult news.

3. Keeping the Cancer in Remission – If we can get through these first two stages, the next battle will be ensuring the cancer stays away.

We are reaching out to you because Karina cannot fight this battle alone. If you are able to donate, your contribution—no matter the amount—could mean the difference between life and death. If you cannot donate, please share this campaign. Spread the word. Keep Karina in your prayers. Every act of kindness, every word of support, and every dollar raised brings her one step closer to the future she deserves—a future where she can continue singing, loving, and living.

Your generosity will give Karina the chance to see her grandchildren grow up, to embrace her children, and to keep bringing light into the lives of everyone who knows her.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. May God bless you.