Hello!

My name is Brandy and I would appreciate you taking the time to read about my cousin, Tiana, who has been diagnosed with inoperable and incurable stage 4 stomach cancer at the age of 31!

Tiana is a young mother of 2 young children (ages 12 and 2). Tiana started having problems in August 2024 with acid reflux and feeling full after eating. Eventually, things got worse with stomach burning. She eventually went to urgent care where they diagnosed her with stomach ulcers. However, things continued to get worse and she became sicker as time went on. She was then referred to a gastroenterologist, where she would receive the diagnoses of H. Pylori and ulcers along with pyloric stenosis. Tiana underwent a procedure where the gastroenterology doctors placed a stent within her pyloric sphincter which gave her some relief for roughly 3 months.

During this time, Tiana’s aunt and cousin were told they had a genetic mutation known as CDH1. This specific mutation is known for causing an aggressive form of stomach cancer that is hard to detect in its early stages and the only real “preventative measure” is to have the stomach removed. Due to this diagnosis, Tiana was able to receive additional diagnostic imaging. Once Tiana received the additional imaging, it was revealed that Tiana has the same genetic mutation and was, unfortunately, diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer.

Since her diagnosis, Tiana has been unable to work, was subsequently let go from her job, and lost her insurance and the little bit of income she was receiving from short-term disability.

We are asking for donations to help Tiana receive a second opinion regarding Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) as Tiana has already exhausted her first and second line of chemo and is currently receiving her third line. The current third line chemo is proving to be ineffective. Within 2 weeks, her tumor markers have risen by over 6,000. Currently, Tiana is back in the hospital due to her bowels not functioning. HIPEC is her last option as she is not a candidate for any current trials. HIPEC may not provide Tiana with a cure, but it could give her more time to spend with her young children.

HIPEC would require Tiana to travel to City of Hope in California, where she would receive surgery to remove any visible tumors as well as a heated chemo that is pumped into her abdominal cavity. This procedure can take roughly 6-12 hours, so a hospital stay, and possible hotel stay, are likely.

In the event that Tiana is not a candidate for HIPEC, any funds raised will go towards her current care, hospice, and funeral expenses. Any remaining funds will go into a trust for her children, as Tiana does not have life insurance.

Any assistance or sharing of Tiana’s story would be greatly appreciate.

Thank you for reading Tiana’s story.