Help Suzy Fight Breast Cancer and Pursue Her Dream

Help Suzy Fight Breast Cancer and Continue Her Dream of Textile Conservation

With your help, I've made it this far. I'm continuing to raise support as I undergo treatment and work toward completing my studies in textile conservation.

As a Japanese international student in New York, I’ve worked for many years to pursue my dream of preserving and studying historic textiles. But after a sudden breast cancer diagnosis, I had to undergo a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and now proton radiation therapy. These treatments, along with ongoing care, have placed a heavy financial burden on me.

Your support will help me stay in treatment, continue my education, and work toward a future where I can protect cultural heritage—and use design to empower others facing body changes and illness.

About Me

Hello, my name is Suzuka (Suzy) Kuwada. I’m a Japanese international student pursuing a master’s degree in Textile Conservation in New York. Back in Japan, I worked for many years as a professional kimono dresser, and I’ve always dreamed of becoming a textile conservator—someone who studies and protects historic fabrics and garments so they can be passed on to future generations.

I didn’t grow up with privilege. I began working after middle school and earned my high school equivalency while saving for college. When I first came to the U.S., I worked as an au pair while studying English. It took years of perseverance, but I eventually graduated from college and began the graduate program I had worked so hard to reach.

My Diagnosis

Just as I was beginning this long-awaited journey, my mother in Japan was diagnosed with breast cancer. I returned home to care for her for a year. After she recovered, I came back to New York in the summer of 2024 to resume my studies.

Shortly after, during a routine check-up where I mentioned my mother’s illness, I was screened and diagnosed with breast cancer myself. I carry the BRCA2 gene mutation, which means my cancer is hereditary. Interestingly, it was passed down from my father’s side.

I had a double mastectomy, as doctors initially believed that surgery alone would be enough. However, the pathology report revealed vascular invasion and micrometastasis in my lymph nodes. Because of these findings, I had to undergo chemotherapy, and I’m now preparing for proton radiation therapy this summer. After that, I’ll begin long-term hormone therapy for the next 5 to 10 years.

Why I Need Support

Being an international student in the U.S. comes with unique challenges. While I have student health insurance, it doesn’t cover everything—copays, out-of-network treatments, and non-covered medications add up quickly. I'm also not eligible for most public assistance programs.

I’ve already used up my savings while caring for my mother and my treatments. Now, I’m struggling to cover even the basics—medical costs, transportation to treatment, and daily living expenses.

My Hopes for the Future

I’m asking for help not just to survive—but to keep moving forward. I want to finish my thesis on traditional textile conservation and use my experience to help others.

One dream I hold close to is to create lingerie and garments for those who’ve gone through mastectomy or struggle with body changes—especially for young women like me in the AYA (Adolescent and Young Adult) generation. After surgery, we’re often left with visible scars. But I still want to feel beautiful, embrace intimacy, and not be defined by cancer. I believe that fashion and design have the power to heal and restore confidence.

How You Can Help

If you can contribute—even just a little—or share this page with others, it would mean the world to me.

Your support will directly help me pay for ongoing treatments and allow me to stay on track with my education and life goals.

I’m not just fighting for survival—I’m fighting to keep my future.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

Your kindness gives me strength and hope.

Every donation, every message, and every share reminds me I’m not alone.

Thanks to your kindness, I’ve reached my initial goal of $9,000. I’m truly grateful.

Since medical and treatment-related expenses are ongoing, I’ll be keeping this page open.

Your continued support or sharing is deeply appreciated.

With love and gratitude,

Suzuka (Suzy) Kuwada