We are the family of Tangina Stone. Thank you for taking a moment to read her story. Anyone who meets Tangina would agree that she is one of the most beautiful beings to grace this world, and our lives. We love her profoundly, and are grateful to God, the powers that be, the benevolent Ancestors, and the Universe, for allowing us the chance to love her in this lifetime.

This has been a very tough season. A year and a half ago, she had an emergency surgery due to Stage 4 Endometriosis. At the end of last year, she was diagnosed with Lynch syndrome, or Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC). This genetic condition can lead to cancer early in life, and requires immediate mediation. Now, she needs surgery again.

Below are Tangina's words. As we navigate these waters, we deeply appreciate any support you can give, whether it be a donation, sharing this story for awareness, or sending your love; it would mean the world to our family.

With love and gratitude,

The Family of Tangina Stone

Hello World. My friends, chosen family, innanet comrades, fellow Endo Warriors and Lynch Syndrome Previvors.

My name is Tangina Stone. I am an artist. A polymath artist most connected to you all through music.

If you are reading this, it means that I am having surgery–again.

How I Got Here:

It has been roughly a year and a half after having a major emergency life saving surgery to treat Stage 4 Endometriosis, After 20 years of chronic pain and illness, I had 17 excisions. I was also diagnosed with Adenomyosis.

It is humbling to be here, on this good fundraising platform being open and transparent about my health at a time when I wish that I could have all of my privacy. At a time when I wish I had more time. Unfortunately time and privacy are luxuries that I do not have access to right now.

So this has become a lesson in asking for what I need.

At the end of 2024 while still recovering from my Endo Excision surgery, I was diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome.

What Is Lynch Syndrome?

Great question! Important answer.

Lynch syndrome, aka Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNPCC), is a genetic condition that can lead to cancer. People with Lynch syndrome often get cancer before age 50 and should undergo lifelong cancer screenings and preventative surgeries and/or procedures to detect and treat cancer early.

Surgery...Again:

On September 3rd, I will be having a surgery performed by my OBGYN Oncologist.

I won't hold y'all, I am terrified, but more than one thing exists at a time. This genetic mutation took the lives of every Grandmother in my maternal lineage very young. They had no idea that they were carrying this mutation. I do, and because I do, I can do something about it.

I will, and quite literally must, rewrite my family's DNA. In order to make sure that my future children do not inherit this mutation, I will need to be very intentional.

Calling On Community:

My entire medical team believes that it is important that I begin the process of harvesting and freezing my eggs immediately. As soon as possible after I recover from surgery. To avoid any medical procedure or treatment (like chemotherapy) from compromising the health of my eggs.

If you know me, you know how much I love the kids, the babies. I am a part of many villages and have wanted nothing more all of my life, than to have the opportunity to be somebody's Mama.

Your support will help make this possible.

This will unfortunately not be covered by any insurance. I do not know how I will make this happen.

Navigating These Waters:

Life is very different than it was a year and a half ago. Surgery recovery and a new diagnosis in the same year, was not at all something that I was prepared for. I am navigating what feels like a new life.

One where surgeries, scans, and preventative procedures will be a new norm for the rest of my life. This also means that post-op care will be a part of my norm and something ongoing that I will need to account for. I will need to think about transportation costs and accessibility. I will need a vehicle to maintain my medical care and needs ongoing.

These are both urgent and lifelong needs.

How Funds Will Be Used:

Lately I have had to make choices that either serve my health, or my bank account. Like many, I am navigating Capitalism and Chronic illness at the same damn time.

In order to make space for this surgery and recovery process, I have had to turn down work opportunities that I can not financially afford to lose at this time. And I also can not afford to not have surgery.

There is so much art that I have been working on that I would like to bring to life, and hopefully I get to do it while I am not stressed out, unwell, and unable to navigate these challenges because of a lack of resources.

I am so grateful to wake up in less pain every day because of Endometriosis and I do not know how I would have managed these next important steps in my health journey, if it were not for that surgery.

So while this is terrifying and vulnerable,

I sit in gratitude – for the opportunity to make informed choices regarding my health that can extend my life.

For having access to a brilliant team of medical professionals and caregivers.

For my village. My chosen family. The beautiful humans who make this ride all worth it.

During a time of so much uncertainty I am forever grateful for the love, concern, compassion, empathy and support that has enveloped me . I know that I can not do it alone or in silence. Nor was I meant to.

Thank you all in advance. This ain't easy, but we gon be alright.

All my love,

T