~Christian, Courtney, and Ellie here (Nena's siblings)~

We are reaching out to ask for your support to help our beloved sister Nena with her hospital bills and healing journey from cancer.

Nena was born in 1999 with several heart defects and within 24 hours of birth required emergency heart surgery to keep her alive. Over the following 18 months she received additional cardio-thoracic surgeries to re-route her circulatory system to accommodate what was effectively a 2-chamber heart.

Nena's early life was a series of surgeries, procedures, doctor visits, tests, exams, and medications. Nena thrived for 13 years with her natural mal-formed heart and 'single-loop' circulatory system until November of 2013 when her struggling heart could no longer support her. Her character is exemplified by her initial response to being told she needs a new heart, which was a very emotional "but someone has to die so I can live". Always putting others first.

After clinging to life and waiting for what seemed like forever, she was blessed with a new heart in March of 2014.

Nena continued to thrive once again after receiving her Gift of a new heart, and after high school she followed her calling to provide loving care for infants and toddlers as a childcare professional and nanny. Her gentleness and love for children is an inspiration for all who know her.

Unfortunately, and very recently, the long term effects of the anti-rejection meds triggered a diagnosis of PTLD (Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder), which resulted in an aggressive and fast-spreading lymphoma throughout her body.

When she was admitted to Barnes Oncology last month her kidneys were functioning at only 25%, and her other organs were highly stressed and on the brink of failure. The cancer was spreading so rapidly that she had to start chemotherapy immediately. The doctors told us that had they waited just another day, we would have lost her.

She has been hospitalized for 3 weeks now while receiving an aggressive battery of chemotherapy and treatments to battle the ugly and evil lymphoma attacking her body and organs. The pain and weakness she has endured are beyond words, but she is regaining her strength day by day. She will need it as she will require more chemo treatments in the days/weeks/months to come.

We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated team of doctors and nurses who have worked tirelessly to stabilize her and bring her towards recovery. However, the hospital is the last place Nena wants to be. It has brought up a lifetime of fears and trauma for her and our whole family.

Imagine sitting in a bed day and night in a place where you have no privacy or autonomy, in a sterile environment, under harsh fluorescent and LED lights, constantly being poked and prodded. This is Nena's reality right now, and she is on yet another journey of fighting for her life.

We are eagerly looking forward to getting her out of the hospital so we can treat her more holistically in a comfortable and familiar environment. Her healing journey is just beginning.

It will be a gradual process of regaining her strength to do everyday things like walking around, moving back into her apartment, and returning to her job as a nanny.

Nena is a sweet, creative, thoughtful, kind, loving, and witty person. She has a passion for children, and she has an incredible talent for crafts, embroidery, and all sorts of artwork. We want to see her surrounded by healing, love, and support during this challenging time.

We deeply appreciate your time reading this far, and all of us are truly grateful for any positive thoughts, prayers, or monetary contributions you can make to help her with her recovery.

Your support means the world to us.

Thank you, and God Bless,

The Van Camp Family