Hi, my name is Roel Mohammed and l never thought I'd be writing this. Just over a year and a half ago, I was a 19 year old student who graduated from Naparima College, pursing a degree in Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), had a love for fitness and martial arts, and was blessed to have a bright future ahead of me. But in December 2023, after a few weeks of persistent symptoms, such as: a dry cough, night sweats, migranes, shortness of breath and many doctor visits, December 29th 2023 marked the day my life took a lasting turn.

Initially, I was diagnosed with a large lung tumor which almost completely restricted airflow to my left lung and COVID 19. After weeks in the COVID ICU ward at San Fernando General, I underwent a biopsy to find the true nature of my tumor. A few restless days later, I received my diagnosis, Large B Cell Lymphoma. Primary Mediastinal Large B-cell Lymphoma is a type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma which develops when B Cells become cancerous. B-cells are white blood cells that normally help fight infection. The abnormal B-cells (Lymphoma cells) usually develop in a part of the Lymphatic System called the Thymus Gland. They then build up in lymph nodes behind the breastbone and between the lungs. In my case, a bulky 19.6 cm mass had formed on my left lung.

Upon receiving my diagnosis, I was left shocked having lost my aunt, Wendy, to cancer a few years back. It was a hard reality to come to terms with for my family and I, and it felt almost surreal. However, with the guidance of the brilliant team of doctors in the San-Fernando Hematology Department, I began my Chemotherapy treatment. I initially received 6 cycles of Chemo which, took the mass on my lung down to 8.7 cm × 7.3 cm × 9.1 cm, however it was still reproducing at a rapid rate.

This led us to purchasing an expensive, foreign form of Chemotherapy (Nivolumab), which had to be taken privately due to it being a very new form of treatment, in hopes of a better result. Unfortunately, this treatment too didn't produce the expected results, leaving the mass at almost the same size and reproduction rate. In search of better results, I began Radiation treatment throughout February 2025, undergoing 20 sessions of Radiation to my chest. Upon finishing my Radiation sessions I underwent a PET scan to highlight any progress made by the Radiation therapy and was once again met with unfortunate news, the mass on my lung remained the same (both in terms of reproduction rate and size) and a new 4.4 cm mass began forming on my liver. This leaves my only option for treatment a Stem Cell Transplant, which is a very costly procedure. Currently, I am undergoing Chemotherapy to prepare me for this Stem Cell Transplant as both tumors are still rapidly growing, so time is of the essence.

Despite my diagnosis, I have tried to live my life over the past year and a half to the fullest extent. I completed 2 semesters of my degree in Chemical and Process Engineering at UTT Point Lisas while maintaining a high GPA, went on hikes, attempted to get back into martial arts with my Purple Dragon family and kept a positive attitude all round.

Those who know me can tell you I've never been one to complain about my situation or to even ask for help, but my health insurance coverage was completely used up earlier this year, due to costs of my monthly CT and PET scans, blood tests, Chemotherapy and medication. Now I need your help, with my treatment starting in September 2025 and time being of the utmost importance, the cost of my Stem Cell Transplant is overwhelming. My parents are doing all that they can but they can't do it alone.

This fundraiser will help me get my second chance at a normal life and to continue my dreams that I've worked so hard towards.

Please donate - no amount is too small and if you can't give financially you can still support by sharing the link to this page in anyway you can. Your kindness will help pave the way for my curative treatment.

The Goal - $200,000 CAD

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Roel Mohammed.