She's Our Sister & Best Friend
Donation protected
In 2000, Christina was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis at just 18 years of age. It was the end of her Freshman year in college, and she was filled with energy and excitement. But something happened over that summer. She was constantly ill, lost massive amounts of weight, and lost control of her own bodily functions. Shortly after being diagnosed with UC, Christina was admitted to the hospital for the first time and stayed there for 7 days. Then, Christina received news that she would not be able to return to college because she would need constant medical attention. This was the beginning of various experimental treatments causing her condition to become even more damaging, inherit other illnesses, face bouts of depression, and even moments of isolation.
In the years following, Christina’s experience become increasingly severe, often being prescribed upwards of 30 different types of medications at one time. And yet, as she watched her body become manipulated by medications and procedures, Christina fought through, found the strength to finish college, sought counseling to help her make sense of things & slowly got back on her feet.
In the meantime, medical bills slowly began to pile up.
Then, in March of 2013 Christina received even more bad news. Only this time the diagnosis was colon cancer. But what we didn’t know was that this would be the most life-threatening battle she would have to fight yet.
In the 21 months since Christina’s cancer diagnosis she has lost 5 feet of her colon, has undergone 20 treatments of chemotherapy, her body has become toxic twice, she has landed in the Intensive Care Unit for nearly 3 weeks at one time, and has undergone 5 major surgeries, with even more invasive procedures.
Today, Christina still has not fully recovered, she continues to have restless nights due to her on-going sickness. Christina is a beautiful, smart warrior of a woman. Through all her obstacles Christina has finished her bachelors degree and also completed a masters program, becoming an elementary school guidance counselor. She lives on her own because she feels independence is necessary and wants to show others that, despite being ill, and often times feeling like the cards are stacked against you, anything is possible – even if that “anything” simply means normal.
Unfortunately, all these obstacles come with huge medical bills. Bills that need to be paid in order for her to survive, to maintain that “normal.” Christina has managed as much she can on her own up to this point, but a recent major hospital stay, and more surgeries and procedures have taken a toll on her. She is in debt and the dollar amount keeps growing. We are asking for $15,000, to help get this beautiful warrior back on her feet -- something that she has done many times on her own. However, this time she needs you, the world, to open your hearts and give her a boost.
In the years following, Christina’s experience become increasingly severe, often being prescribed upwards of 30 different types of medications at one time. And yet, as she watched her body become manipulated by medications and procedures, Christina fought through, found the strength to finish college, sought counseling to help her make sense of things & slowly got back on her feet.
In the meantime, medical bills slowly began to pile up.
Then, in March of 2013 Christina received even more bad news. Only this time the diagnosis was colon cancer. But what we didn’t know was that this would be the most life-threatening battle she would have to fight yet.
In the 21 months since Christina’s cancer diagnosis she has lost 5 feet of her colon, has undergone 20 treatments of chemotherapy, her body has become toxic twice, she has landed in the Intensive Care Unit for nearly 3 weeks at one time, and has undergone 5 major surgeries, with even more invasive procedures.
Today, Christina still has not fully recovered, she continues to have restless nights due to her on-going sickness. Christina is a beautiful, smart warrior of a woman. Through all her obstacles Christina has finished her bachelors degree and also completed a masters program, becoming an elementary school guidance counselor. She lives on her own because she feels independence is necessary and wants to show others that, despite being ill, and often times feeling like the cards are stacked against you, anything is possible – even if that “anything” simply means normal.
Unfortunately, all these obstacles come with huge medical bills. Bills that need to be paid in order for her to survive, to maintain that “normal.” Christina has managed as much she can on her own up to this point, but a recent major hospital stay, and more surgeries and procedures have taken a toll on her. She is in debt and the dollar amount keeps growing. We are asking for $15,000, to help get this beautiful warrior back on her feet -- something that she has done many times on her own. However, this time she needs you, the world, to open your hearts and give her a boost.
Organizer
Leticia Engracia
Organizer
New York, NY
