My BC Fight and the Road to Recovery ❤️‍

Hello, everyone! My name is Ivonne Bernal, and I'm 32 years old, currently living in Sydney. Well... Every story has to start from the beginning, right? And mine with cancer began on March 10, 2021, when I discovered a lump in my left breast while taking a shower. Unfortunately, I didn't pay the attention it deserved because I naively thought: “'It's nothing, it doesn't hurt... and my family has no history of breast cancer” ☹️ “huge mistake”Approximately six months passed before I finally paid attention to the lump because it started to hurt and limit the movement of my arm. So, I decided to schedule a medical appointment. After undergoing several exams, I received the devastating news that I had Stage IIB (T2|N1|M0) breast cancer. It was a moment that turned my world upside down. I was living a life filled with joy and happiness, pursuing my dreams and goals in Australia, where I always dreamed everything would be perfect. I could have never imagined something like this would happen. I was terrified of what the future held, but one thing was clear: I had to fight. The weeks following the diagnosis were a whirlwind of doctor appointments, exams, and consultations. I started with hormonal treatments, then tried radiation therapies, but nothing had the expected effect... Savings dwindled, and I could work less and with the visa change, everything became complicated with the health insurance. Finally, at the beginning of this year, 2023, the medical team recommended a treatment plan that I hope will be the definitive one to achieve my healing. This treatment involves chemotherapy (6 cycles) if everything goes as the doctors hope, after finishing chemotherapy, they would perform surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue, and then radiation again to destroy any trace of cancer cells. That's what the doctors want and expect... but I want, when I finish my last cycle of chemotherapy, to receive the good news that the tumor has disappeared from my body and that I don't have to go through surgery and more radiation therapy. Since receiving this unfortunate diagnosis, I have been in the greatest battle for my well-being, quite literally, the battle for my life. Being in another country, trying to build a new life with so many dreams and goals overshadowed by this news, has been incredibly challenging. It's an emotional rollercoaster every day, and many times I have felt deeply depressed and devastated having to face this situation without my family nearby, without their love and physical support close to me. Fortunately, I have my partner who has been my rock, my unwavering emotional support. Due to this unexpected obstacle, I can no longer work as I used to, and my income has been reduced by 100%. Similarly, my partner's income has been affected because they are the one taking care of me on bad days, hospital visits, and home care (they're my primary caregiver) ❤️‍. Those who have faced this reality of cancer or have been close to a cancer patient will understand a little more. My body is exhausted most of the time, and I have to attend various specialist appointments throughout the week. Since this tumultuous journey began, my partner has taken on the responsibility not only of accompanying and taking care of me but also of covering all our daily living expenses (rent, food, etc.). However, the cost of treatment is enormous, and it is even more challenging for immigrants like us who come to this country in search of better opportunities. Indeed, I have insurance that we pay with our visa to stay in this wonderful country, but unfortunately, due to policies that I consider absurd regarding waiting times and pre-existing conditions, this insurance (NIB) has refused to cover the total cost of my treatment and has only provided coverage for hospitalizations and some exams. Now I am facing thousands of dollars in medication and medical bills for chemotherapy, dialysis, treatment for chronic anemia, and all the side effects that come with chemotherapy. My partner and I are struggling to make ends meet in terms of weekly expenses, and at this very moment, we simply cannot afford the cost of my treatment. Normally, I don't ask for help. My family and the few friends who truly know me know that I am very independent. I find it very difficult to ask for help, and I have always worked to achieve my goals. However, circumstances have led me to this vulnerable position where I feel extremely uncomfortable, asking for financial assistance to pay for my treatment. I don't know who else to turn to. I don't know what else I can do. I am fighting, and I feel a bit desperate and defeated because I can't work and pay for my own medical expenses. That's why I decided to set aside the embarrassment and helplessness and organize a GoFundMe campaign, seeking the support of friends, family, acquaintances, and the entire kind-hearted Latin community who can help me. We are still battling with the health insurance company to cover the entirety of my treatment, and with faith in God, I hope we can reach a solution with them. For now, I can only appeal to your compassion and goodwill for a small amount of economic support; whatever the value, it is of great help to me at this time. Thank you very much in advance, and may God multiply the support you provide a thousandfold.  

Details for any kind of assistance:
** Post
Ivonne Alexandra Bernal Donoso
Parcel Locker: 10185 71927    
Shop 33 1 Rider Boulevarde, RHODES NSW 2138

**Bank Details:    
BSB: 923100    
ACC: 303000654.