Help my Uncle Fight Gastric Cancer

Hi, my name is Sophia Le, and I’m a junior studying medicine at the University of Southern California. I’m raising funds for my uncle who is battling Gastric Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of stomach cancer. This devastating illness has cost us nearly $50,000 for chemotherapy and ICU hospitalizations.

Our Family’s Journey

To give background about my family, our story begins in Vietnam. My parents took 10 years to immigrate to America while escaping a country during war, poverty, and corruption. They came to America with virtually nothing- except hope and each other. My dad’s first job was ironing clothes, my mom’s was an omelet flipper, and they raised me and my two sisters in Dallas, Texas. Despite starting from scratch, they were able to build a better life for us.

My Uncle’s Battle

My uncle is my mom’s younger brother who lives in San Antonio, Texas. He is a loving Catholic priest that enjoys food, karaoke, and teasing his family. He would speak gibberish to me and always warn me to not let a boy distract me from school all the while devoting his life to serving his community and spreading kindness

Earlier this year, my family discovered that my uncle was diagnosed with gastric cancer. We cried and held onto every last breath of hope while he lost weight, his appetite, and all his strength. The tumor grew along the lining of his stomach, and he had to fight through chemotherapy and hopelessness.

On the night of September 22nd, 2025 he collapsed alone in his house and was not found until hours later. When he was rushed to the ICU, the doctors told us he had severe internal bleeding and we had to make two options: to let him rest peacefully or do a risky treatment.

Thankfully he was able to survive through weeks in the ICU, but the medical bills are weighing on us. His chemotherapy alone costs nearly $50,000, and his ICU hospitalization added thousands of dollars more.

Why we are Asking for Help

As my uncle continues to heal, our family is doing our best to support him and each other. With that, we need help with the costs that are placing a heavy burden on us, and any contribution will make a meaningful difference.

In honor of my uncle, I decided to start this fundraiser to help him, and I joined a cancer research lab to contribute to work that can potentially help those experiencing a similar journey. Studying medicine could never have prepared me for the weight of cancer, but we will continue to lead our lives with love, kindness, and positivity. Any contribution to this fundraiser would help us tremendously. I hope this story finds a place in your heart and thank you for reading our story!

With much love,

Sophia Le and Family