I started this fundraiser for my little sister, Natalie Jenkins, whose world turned upside down a couple of weeks ago and is now fighting for her life at MD Anderson with a rare cancer.

At 36 years old, Natalie was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 nasopharyngeal cancer strongly linked to the reactivation of a latent Epstein-Barr virus infection (associated with mono). She started having symptoms in August and for months she was misdiagnosed by doctors that told her she had a sinus infection. She decided to see an ENT doctor in November and he ordered a CT scan. The results were devastating. The tumor in her head and neck is advanced and aggressive. Since the cancer is spreading fast, she will immediately start two different types of chemotherapy to keep it from moving to vital organs. Her treatment will last approximately 16 weeks which involves a combination of chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy. The oncologists in the head and neck cancer clinic at MD Anderson specialize in treating this type of rare cancer, but the short term and long term effects of the treatment will be difficult.

Natalie will be in Houston until at least April. During this time, she will be unable to work and her expenses will be substantial. She is staying in a temporary apartment with her almost 2 year old daughter, Naomi, and our mom that will help take care of her and Naomi. Her husband, Derrick, is a teacher and will be traveling to Houston on the weekends and during his breaks to be with them.

Natalie is not a stranger to fighting. She battled infertility for years and persevered with strength. I have faith that she will do the same with her fight against cancer. She sent me a text today that said "Praying for complete healing. I know He can do it!" We trust that God has a plan for her and it is one of HOPE!

If you'd like to support her during this time, you can donate directly via PayPal.

PayPal: @HopeforNatalie

Or we have a GoFundMe (based on her insurance out-of-pocket max, any treatment not covered by insurance, and her living expenses) if that's easier for you. *Note: "A transaction fee of 2.9% + $0.30 is automatically deducted from each donation."

We would be so grateful if you could share this with your friends and family and keep Natalie and her family in your prayers.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11