Help Zauria Get Immunotherapy (Rare Cancer)

Our Zauria recently had her third cancer relapse of Rhadomayosarcoma, and the journey has become more challenging than ever before.

In 2020, Zauria was diagnosed with a rare form of SARCOMA known as Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS). It’s a type of cancer that forms in the body’s connective tissues that support or connect other tissues or organs in the body. This cancer is so rare that there were only 400 reported cases of it in the U.S in 2019. This is a very aggressive and highly malignant form of cancer, and because it is located in the connective tissues, it progresses very quickly.

This time, the cancer has taken an unexpected and daunting turn. The tumor has grown to the back of her right eye and right sinus, almost returning to where we started in 2020. We won't sugarcoat it; it's been incredibly tough physically, emotionally, and financially.

Currently, Zauria is undergoing chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. The chemotherapy she's currently receiving is acting as a bridge as she waits for the immunotherapy clinical trial at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to open.

Our beloved Zauria is determined to beat this again. But, she can't do it alone. Zauria’s husband, Edwin Derico Jr., and her parents, Todd Smith and Renee Smith are asking for any monetary donations that you can give to help fund her treatment. Her husband is a music teacher, her father is a war veteran, and her mother is a school teacher. They are doing their best to fund her medical expenses, but Zauria needs advanced treatment in order to have a fighting chance.

She married her wonderful husband during the pandemic on December 12, 2020.

Todd and Renee Smith are parents to 3 beautiful girls, Zauria, Trudie, and Angel. They are also grandparents to their beautiful granddaughter Morgan.

Please keep the Derico and Smith family in your prayers. They are a family of Faith and we are all believing for a miracle. Anything that you contribute will go directly towards Zauria’s extensive medical bills, visits to specialists, and any other cancer-related costs.

There is no amount too small, and we are thankful in advance for your love and support. She is asking that you all will leave prayers, and stories of success and cancer victories as you donate.

She is not alone in this fight, because not only does she have her family and friends, she has you.