Hello, would you take a moment to read my story? My name is Paola. I am a proud mother and wife. I unfortunately have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Growing up in the 2000s was awesome! Made the best memories and friends for life! One day at the age of 21, I noticed lumps in my breasts. I got them checked and fortunately, they were solid and noncancerous, and I was able to remove them. As I got older in life, I felt another lump in my breast, and it really didn’t bother me as much, so I let it be without any concern. A close family member of mine was then diagnosed with breast cancer, so I decided to get my lump checked out. I went to see my primary care physician about the lump that he was also concerned with. He ordered for me to have a mammogram, and that came back abnormal. I then had to get a biopsy done for further testing, and as it turns out, it is a form of breast cancer.

I am in the early stages of ductal carcinoma in situ with a lump also in my lymph node. Even though I am in the early stages, hearing the word cancer as a diagnosis made me think and feel so many different emotions. I felt sad, upset, and confused with myself, but thinking about my life, my kids, and my husband also made me realize how blessed I am. I am not ready to give up; I am not ready to die! I am ready to ride this ride all the way through as I want to live! God has given me the strength to go on every day, and I will not go down without a fight.

Unfortunately, circumstances and finances have changed. My husband and I cannot afford the treatments needed. So much goes on with cancer that I cannot even fathom where to begin and how it will go. I come to you humbly asking if you are willing to donate any amount you can spare to help me begin this journey as I want to fight, live, advocate, and get as healthy as possible for my family. Please consider helping me fight this journey! Any amount will help! Thank you, cancer sucks!