My name is Nina, and I am currently a third-year medical student. In January 2025, my dad suffered a stroke that left him unable to care for himself. As the only person able to step in, I made the difficult decision to take a one-year leave of absence from medical school so I could be there for him full time during his recovery. This was not a choice I made lightly, as I have worked incredibly hard to get to this point in my education.

Because of my leave, I had to give up a year of scholarship funding from my school. This has created a significant financial challenge for me, as I am a first-generation graduate student and will be the first MD in my immediate family when I graduate in 2028. The funds raised here will allow me to return to medical school after caring for my dad, helping me continue my education and work toward my dream of becoming a doctor.

This experience has been both humbling and transformative. Any support — whether through a donation, sharing this page, or simply offering encouragement — truly means more than I can express. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for supporting me as I work toward returning to school and continuing this journey.