Help me on my cancer healing journey!

Dear friends,

In February, as a devastating war shattered the lives of so many and changed our world forever, I started my own battle, with breast cancer.

Doctors diagnosed an invasive ductal carcinoma and laid out a course of treatment including a mastectomy and a course of chemotherapy.

I am halfway through that treatment.

After that comes the radiation therapy, hormone- blocking treatment, and reconstructive surgery as part of the long road to, hopefully, a full recovery.

Those of you who know me can attest that I am no stranger to adversity and that I brave challenging times with courage and positivity. Many of you are familiar with my advocacy and assistance work on behalf of journalists throughout Europe and Central Asia, and know that, normally, I am on the giving rather than the receiving end of help.

But now I find myself in need.

As the sole breadwinner for a family of four, including my wonderful son who has some special needs, it has been hard balancing my family and work with the intensive treatments I need.

I am working full time while undergoing chemotherapy. But with rent, bills, living expenses, therapies and treatments, I have no financial cushion that allows me to focus on my health at this time.

That uncertainty makes the current situation hard. So, I am humbly turning to you, my friends, for any assistance you can provide.

The support received from some of you already has helped with the first part of the treatments, allowing me to focus on my son and my health while under the grueling chemo sessions.

In the weeks ahead I would be grateful for any and all support and am committed to paying it forward. Please help with whatever amount you can and share with your friends and networks!

Wishing you all long, healthy, and beautiful lives!

All my love, Nina