I’m setting up this fundraiser for my best friend, Misha, who was recently diagnosed with HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma, an aggressive form of breast cancer. We don’t yet know the stage, and her doctors are still determining the full treatment plan. What we do know is that she will need traditional chemotherapy as well as HER2-targeted treatment, with HER2-directed therapy expected to continue for approximately a year. Surgery options are also still being discussed.

Many of you know Misha as an incredibly talented cosplay model and independent creator—someone who pours so much heart, artistry, and passion into bringing characters to life and creating memorable experiences for her community.

What many people may not see is everything happening behind the scenes. Misha is a small business owner, independent creator, and single mother. Her livelihood depends heavily on her ability to create consistently, travel, attend events, take bookings, shoot content, market her work, and manage the day-to-day operations of her business.

Right now, alongside the physical and emotional weight of a cancer diagnosis, she is navigating insurance, preparing for chemotherapy and HER2-targeted treatment, discussing surgery, and facing the very real possibility that treatment could significantly limit her ability to work and earn income for an extended period of time.

For someone who is self-employed in a creative and physically demanding career, taking time away to heal doesn’t come with paid medical leave. Photoshoots, travel, event appearances, crafting, content creation, and other work may need to be reduced or put on hold—while medical expenses and everyday bills continue.

The money raised through this campaign will help support:

We don’t know exactly what cancer will cost yet—and that’s precisely why we’re creating this fund now. We don’t want Misha to have to wait until medical bills and lost income become an emergency before asking for help. Our goal is to give her a financial safety net so that when her body needs rest, she can choose healing instead of worrying about whether she can afford to stop working.

Because cancer treatment is an ongoing journey, recurring monthly donations can provide steady support throughout treatment and recovery. One-time gifts make an immediate and meaningful difference as well.

If you aren’t able to donate, sharing this campaign with your friends, family, or community helps more than you know.

You’re also welcome to leave Misha a message or a favorite memoryin the comments. Having that love and encouragement to come back to on the difficult days will mean so much to her.

Thank you for helping us surround Misha with love, stability, and support so she can put as much of her energy as possible toward treatment, recovery, and being there for her family.

We’ll continue updating this fundraiser as we learn more about her treatment plan, medical expenses, and what the months ahead will look like.