Our world changed at the end of January.

My beautiful girlfriend Makena, just 26 years old, was diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin Lymphoma. She is one of the most hardworking, caring, and kind people I have ever known — someone who always puts others first, who shows up for the people she loves no matter what, and who deserves so much more than what she’s facing right now.

Since her diagnosis, life has been filled with constant hospital visits, upcoming chemotherapy, and radiation treatments. The road ahead is months long, uncertain, and exhausting. Treatment takes a serious physical toll — extreme fatigue, sickness, and the emotional weight of fear and uncertainty every single day.

We are committed to fighting this with everything we have. But cancer doesn’t just affect health — it affects every part of daily life.

Because of treatment, Makena’s ability to work has been reduced significantly, and our household income has dropped at the exact time our expenses and responsibilities are increasing. Rent, groceries, transportation, and basic living costs continue while our time and energy are focused on getting her through treatment safely.

We are currently living on limited income, without access to insurance support or government benefits at this time, and we expect this financial strain to last at least the next year.

My car was totaled, leaving us with only one vehicle — the same vehicle we rely on for hospital visits, emergencies, and basic daily needs. Reliable transportation has become critical for Makena’s treatment and safety, and losing our second vehicle has added another layer of stress and cost during an already overwhelming time.

Our family wants to help, but they are facing their own challenges and are only able to provide limited support.

This fundraiser is not for medical treatment itself — we are covering that through our own resources. These funds will help us stay financially stable while Makena undergoes treatment by covering essential living expenses such as:

• Rent and housing costs

• Groceries and basic necessities

• Transportation to and from treatment

• Loss of income during recovery

• Car-related and travel expenses

• Everyday bills that don’t stop during a medical crisis

Our goal of $50,000 reflects the reality of maintaining basic stability for the next year while Makena focuses on healing. Our monthly living expenses alone are around $3,500, and without support, we risk falling behind at a time when our only focus should be her health and recovery.

Makena is fighting with incredible strength, even on the hardest days. She continues to face treatment with courage, determination, and hope. We are doing everything we can to stay strong, stay positive, and get through this — but we cannot do it alone.

If you are able to help in any way, whether through donating or simply sharing this fundraiser, it would mean more to us than we can express. Your support helps us stay afloat, stay stable, and keep moving forward while we fight for Makena’s health and future.

Thank you for standing with us during one of the most difficult times of our lives.