My name is Shelly Zawadzki, otherwise known as Zuzu, and in 2022 my life changed forever. Through a writing group online, I met the woman who would become my wife, my best friend, and my soulmate - Natalie.
Natalie is a light to everyone she meets. Despite struggles with mental illness, homelessness, and heartbreaking losses, her optimism and selflessness never wavered. She inspires me and others daily with her creativity, resilience, and compassion. Through everything, from the loss of my father to moving across the country, we have persisted and our bond has only grown stronger. But now we are faced with one of the most challenging things we will ever endure.
The Diagnosis
In early July, Natalie began experiencing what seemed like a stomach virus. After multiple ER visits and weeks of worsening symptoms, a CT scan revealed an 8.5 cm mass in her colon, causing a life-threatening bowel obstruction. She underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumor, her ascending colon, and lymph nodes.
While recovering, she went through another emergency surgery due to an anastomotic leak, making her healing process long and painful.
Much to our horror, the final pathology revealed the cause: Stage 4 Burkitt’s lymphoma, a rare and extremely aggressive cancer. Scans showed it had already spread throughout her intestinal area, jaw, and legs.
On August 28th, 2025, she began intensive chemotherapy (dose-adjusted R-EPOCH). This treatment requires 5 days in the hospital, 2 weeks out, for 6 rounds total - with the hope of completing before Christmas if all goes well.
Why We Need Help
We are fighting with everything we have, but the reality is we cannot do this alone. While waiting for disability benefits and food assistance to process, we’re struggling to cover even the basics.
Your support will go directly toward:
- Transportation: emergency rides to and from hospital stays and appointments
- Nutritious food: to strengthen Natalie’s body through chemo
- Medical needs: medicines and equipment insurance won’t cover
- Hygiene essentials: soap, deodorant, toilet paper, and other necessities
- Unexpected expenses related to her care
Every donation - no matter how small - helps us focus on what matters most: Natalie’s healing. If you cannot donate, sharing her story and sending positive words means the world to us.
Thank You
From every fiber of my being, thank you for reading, sharing, and supporting us during this terrifying and uncertain time. I will continue to post updates as Natalie goes through treatment so you can follow her journey with us.
Love,
Zuzu & Natalie
❤️
Organizer
Shelly Zawadzki
Organizer
Saint Cloud, MN