*new update at the bottom*

I am writing this on behalf of one of my closest and dearest friends Jovani, the most selfless, giving, hardworking mother to be/sister/friend/small business owner. She unfortunately just received the news most would consider their worst nightmare. The thing you never think will happen to you until it does.

Earlier this year Jovani found out the most wonderful news that she is pregnant, she was/is absolutely ecstatic and could not be happier. She is currently 28 weeks pregnant with a beautiful baby girl, due February 8th.

Through this past year Jovani had noticed she wasn’t quite feeling like herself. She was extremely tired all the time and had also developed a long lasting and persistent cough. After bringing up her concerns to doctors many times and being told it was nothing, finally she had developed a new symptom, extremely swollen lymph nodes. She was then taken seriously and after many tests and biopsies she was tragically diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Through multiple mri’s they know it has spread to her chest, but won’t be able to see if it has spread anywhere else until after the baby is born and they can do a ct scan. Jovani is set to start chemo immediately.

As you can imagine this is absolutely devastating news to receive during what is supposed to be the happiest time in her life. On top of all of this, Jovani is a small business owner. Being that she is a self employed small business owner she will not qualify for any relief such as maternity leave or unemployment and will be unable to work for the foreseeable future.

Jovani also recently bought her first home, something she worked extremely hard for and is so incredibly proud of. But she is now left full of stress and fear of what the future may hold for her.

The goal is to raise fund towards her bills and medical expenses to help alleviate some of that stress. We are so grateful for any and all contributions. We know she will absolutely kick cancers ass.

We will continue to provide updates on her journey thought the months. Thank you so much!

UPDATE #1 - 12/18/23

Jovani has now completed two rounds of chemo. She is currently going every other week for her treatment until baby comes, which at that time treatments will become more intensive.

Jovani has continued to work thus far throughout her treatment and pregnancy just to stay afloat. So far she has reacted well but she is extremely tired and pushing through that to maintain herself the best she can.

now more than ever she needs our help to prepare for the financial burden that will arise when she is no longer able to work for at the very least a few months once baby is here and treatments are intensified. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated and shared thus far. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to share and support Jovani during this hurdle in her life.