My name is Rick Williams and I’m the grandfather of Makalia Rhoades and I worked for Cummins for over 42 years at several locations. Makalia my granddaughter had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. We are trying to raise money to help the family get Makalia to Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minn. for a second opinion.

Makalia Rhoades who works at Fuel Systems for Cummins to get the help what she so wants and desperately needs.

Please pray for Makalia and her family along with finding it in your heart to donate to help get Makalia the 2nd opinion in this deadly cancer.

Help Makalia Rhoades Fight Leptomeningeal Carcinoma – A Rare CNS Cancer

At just 26 years old, Makalia Rhoades should be planning her next adventure, chasing her dreams, and enjoying the beauty of young adulthood. Instead, she’s facing something no one her age should have to endure: leptomeningeal carcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the central nervous system.

This diagnosis has turned her world upside down—physically, emotionally, and financially.

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What is Leptomeningeal Carcinoma?

Leptomeningeal carcinoma (also known as leptomeningeal disease) is an extremely rare and life-threatening cancer where malignant cells spread to the leptomeninges—the delicate membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can stem from other cancers, and in Makalia’s case it’s from melanoma, which she was in remission for almost 2 years. Now, It is back and with a vengeance.

This cancer causes:

• Severe headaches and neurological symptoms

• Vision changes and memory loss

• Loss of balance, coordination, and mobility

• Cognitive decline and emotional distress

Treatment options are highly specialized and urgent.

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Makalia’s Journey So Far

Makalia’s symptoms began abruptly—headaches, confusion, difficulty focusing. And they quickly escalated, she was hospitalized and underwent extensive testing. After several painful spinal taps, MRIs, CT scans, doctors confirmed the unimaginable: leptomeningeal carcinoma.

She has since endured:

• Multiple hospital admissions

• Neurological complications and mobility loss

• Radiation and intrathecal (spinal) chemotherapy - to be started this week.

• Consultations with rare cancer specialists

Her fight is far from over. Makalia may need to relocate temporarily to a specialized treatment center for advanced care or participate in clinical trials. These are her best chances at prolonging and preserving her quality of life—but they come with an overwhelming financial burden.

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Why We Need Your Help

Despite having medical insurance, Makalia’s out-of-pocket expenses are skyrocketing. Many of the treatments she needs are experimental, not fully covered, or require travel and lodging far from home.

Your donations will help cover:

• Specialized cancer treatments and medications

• Travel and temporary housing near neuro-oncology centers

• In-home care, mobility aids, and rehabilitation

• Living expenses while she’s unable to work

• Support for her family during this devastating time

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Help Makalia Fight

Makalia is more than her diagnosis. She is a bright, kind-hearted, funny, and loving young woman with her whole life ahead of her. She has so much more to give—to her family, her friends, and the world.

Your support—no matter how big or small—can give her the time, care, and hope she deserves.

Please donate, share, and stand with Makalia as she fights one of the hardest battles anyone can face.

With love and gratitude,

Team Makalia