IStandWithSincere

Hi, my name is Déja and I created this gofundme to help raise money for my mother’s cancer treatments. My mom is THE strongest person I know. A Korean immigrant raised in the states that became disconnected from her family. A woman who has paved her own way in a less than fair society, who created her own family by way of friends and her children. She has worked her way up in her career field overcoming countless obstacles, and I am heartbroken that this is the next obstacle she must overcome.

My mother was diagnosed with stage 3 Breast Cancer in October 2021. That phone call will stay forever etched in my brain, hearing my mom shakily tell me her diagnosis and fears, and trying to sound reassuring when I myself was petrified. She didn’t deserve this, not when she was achieving goals she had worked towards for years. Despite everything, she still worked from home, even during her chemo treatments. She never complained and always did more than what her title entailed. This June she was unexpectedly let go and is now dealing with immense financial stress on top of battling her cancer. She has an amazing team of doctors and a detailed treatment plan that she must stick with. If you are able to at all, please donate to help offset her treatment costs. Any donation is greatly appreciated, and if you can’t donate please share her story (below).

Thank you!

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My name is "Sincere" Rosea Smith, I'm battling Stage 3 Metastatic Breast Cancer. My treatment plan consists of 4 months chemotherapy, double mastectomy, radiation, immunotherapy and final reconstruction surgery. I can tell you that I was in a state of shock when I learned of my diagnosis. I didn't have any symptoms, I went in for a routine mamogram that forever changed my life. Trying to be strong for my husband and children, I spent many days crying in the shower, wondering how did I let this happen. Beating myself up-if only I had gotten my mamogram sooner; Did I miss any signs that there was a problem? I was an emotional wreck! All natural reactions, but by the Grace of God and the love, care and support of my husband, children, family and close friends, I am able to continue to fight!

The reason for this Campaign is, I recently lost my job of 6 years, where I served as an exceptional Senior Community Manager for the company's entire D.C. Portfolio. Upon learning of my cancer I contacted HR and was told I had to go on FMLA immediately. I wanted to continue working and was accommodated a remote work schedule, while on FMLA Intermittent Leave. I continued to work remotely and lead my team, working from my laptop at my chemo treatments, on zoom meetings and calls. I remained available to ensure that my team and properties were supported. I did this up to the time of my double mastectomy surgery, which is when I had to change my leave from Intermittent to full FMLA Leave. Under the guidelines of the FMLA, I truly thought my job and position were protected but later learned that while I was out on approved medical leave, and in the midst of my cancer treatments, I was terminated due to the sale of the DC portfolio that I managed.

Imagine my stress and all the questions in my head. How could this happen? Not only have I lost my income but also my medical insurance coverage. How will I continue my treatment plan? How will I pay for my impending final surgery? My mind was in overdrive! In order to keep my current medical team of doctors in place I had to obtain COBRA Insurance coverage. The monthly cost is exorbitant on top of co-pays and all of the out of pocket expenses that the insurance does not cover. This my friends is "The Why?", this is my story and why the " I STAND WITH SINCERE" CANCER FUND CAMPAIGN is IMPORTANT. All donations will go directly to pay for all needs related to my medical cancer care expenses.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and thank you in advance for your donation, consideration, kindness, support and for Standing With Me In My Fight Against Cancer!