Helping Ani Rinchen Become Cancer Free

Ani Rinchen is known by many from the hundreds of meditation classes she has led in person and virtually at Kunzang Palyul Choling Buddhist temple in Poolesville, MD. Others have been warmly welcomed and given a tour of the temple by her or hosted her at a school or church where she gave Introduction to Buddhism talks, and still others have crossed paths with her as she shared Buddhist teachings and spiritual practices with the incarcerated. In addition to all of this, Ani has been a nun for almost 35 years and is known not only for her steadfast commitment to the Buddhist path, but also her deep compassion for others.

In March 2022, our dear Ani Rinchen was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Fortunately, the cancer was diagnosed early, so there is only one small tumor with no evidence of spread. For the last four months, she has been receiving chemotherapy, with the goal of reducing the tumor to a size which would allow it to be surgically removed.

We are optimistic that the surgery will result in Ani Rinchen being cancer-free and able to resume her many activities designed to make Buddhism more accessible to Western audiences. In addition to the ones mentioned above, Ani also helps other ordained monks and nuns who are in emergency situations, helps publish the Buddhist teachings of her teacher, Jetsunma Ahkon Lhamo, and helps maintain the ongoing 24-hour prayer vigil.

Ani Rinchen has only her Social Security income to live on. She has Medicare Part A and B, but no supplemental insurance. While her income is low, it exceeds the amount to qualify for Medicaid. The 8+ hours of chemo every 2 weeks costs $1600/month.  She has gotten a grant from our Buddhist temple, as well as funds from family and friends, which have paid for her chemo thus far. She is likely to require at least another 2 months of chemotherapy before the tumor is small enough that she can have it surgically removed.  The surgery, called the Whipple Procedure, is major surgery and complex.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 for the last few sessions of chemotherapy, the surgery and related hospitalization, and related medical expenses.

Would you help us to support Ani Rinchen's journey to become cancer-free? Anything you can do - making a donation, keeping her in your prayers, and sharing this GoFundMe link on your social media platforms is so very welcome. Thank you in advance for your generosity.