My name is Aysha Jusino-Camp, my daughter, Malena Mendoza, was diagnosed with a rare aggressive form of cancer called Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma. This tumor is a mass near her pelvic and hip bone. It is known for its high propensity to recur locally and metastasize, making it a serious malignancy. Her doctor here is recommending to amputate her leg. Malena was devastated to hear this and is scared. We did some research and have talked to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona to get a consult with them as they will do everything possible to save her limb but in order to see the Mayo Clinic we have to pay $5000 up front and this is not accounting for any upcoming surgeries or rehabilitation services post operational procedures.

Malena is 26 years old, she is an aunt to 3 nephews and a niece and the third of four siblings and we all love her dearly and want to do whatever it takes to get through this together. Malena is currently a nursing student at EPCC and is set to graduate in December. Her life has been put on hold. This has turned our lives upside down and inside out. The devastation of hearing that your daughter has cancer would put the fear of uncertainty through the very veins of anxiety. But knowing that your daughter has a very aggressive, rare cancer that affects the bones is not only a call for alarm but puts the very foundations of despair into practice. Malena's life was to serve her community, to be a registered nurse to serve the people to help heal the people to be their support in times of ill health. It is now evident that my daughter is now sharing the bed of being a patient who now needs every bit of support, whether this be financial, spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, everything in the realms of support is valid. Please help my family gain the strength to give my daughter a second chance. There is no worse nightmare a parent can ever hear than to hear someone say, “Your daughter has cancer” and to try and remove the cancer her leg may have to be amputated during the process.

God give us strength and prayers to guide us through the pathway of reassurance, support, and faith to see this through. We are hoping to raise enough funds to have my daughter go to the Mayo clinic in Arizona to speak with their team of experts and to have a better understanding of the surgical aspect of this rare cancer. Unfortunately, the Mayo clinic wants money before an appointment can be made, and time is not on our side for evasive action. Thank you for your support and your prayers, through this difficult challenge we shall succeed through unshakeable faith through our family and community…Thank you.