I am Nakisha Paradise's friend and former coworker. Or, if you'd rather, former coworker turned frenemy turned friend--life is weird like that. Whatever I am, it is this: someone in Nakisha's corner. If you know Nakisha (or Paradise, depending on how you know her), you know she is the first to step in when someone is struggling. Whether it’s a hot meal, a helping hand, or a shoulder to lean on, she has always shown up for others without hesitation and without needing recognition. Nakisha is the type of person who showed up for me even when we didn't really like each other--that's just who she is. Over the years, we have mended our differences and I have come to appreciate her giving heart even more. Lately, I have also been pestering to let us help her--it's our turn.

Not many know, but the last few years have been very difficult for Nakisha. She has been unable to work like she's used to and has required a caregiver to help her with extreme medical issues. These issues have culminated in a rare and aggressive disease: Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC), which recently developed into Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare form of bile duct cancer. There is nothing she could have done to prevent this. It is a fight she didn’t choose, but one she is facing with bravery. The toll has not only been physical but mentally and emotionally debilitating as well. To go from being a vibrant, always-on-the-go, hard worker to having medical issues and being homebound has been a lot to deal with. Let's help Nakisha so that she can go back to being as healthy as possible.

We are hoping to help her out SOON. Under the care of the incredible team at University of Washington/Fred Hutch, Nakisha is preparing for a life‑saving surgery in the next few weeks to remove the right side of her liver and affected lymph nodes. After that, she will undergo six months of chemotherapy to fight any remaining cancer cells. This is a massive medical and emotional journey, and it comes with a crushing financial burden.

As a single mom, Nakisha is not just fighting for her life. She is fighting to stay strong for her children (and whatever random animal she has taken in, you know her). She has already exhausted her resources trying to hold everything together. Now she needs us. We are raising funds to help cover:

If Nakisha has ever supported you or inspired you, or if her story touches your heart, please consider donating. Every dollar helps ease her burden so she can focus on healing, staying strong for her children, and doing what she does best: loving and serving others.

If you are unable to give financially right now, please share this campaign widely. Your voice can help carry her story to someone who can help. She could also use some regular check ins just to say hi, make her laugh, or anything to help her days be a little brighter.

Let’s show Nakisha the same love and generosity she has poured into so many of us over the years.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.