Support Mandy's Fight Against Cancer

Dear family and friends,

We hope this message finds you well. First and foremost, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has already supported us in any way. Your kindness, encouragement, and words of support mean more to us than we can put into words. It’s not easy for us to ask for help, but we find ourselves in a position where we truly need it.

This is Mandy, my fiancée—soon to be my wife. Mandy is a 35-year-old woman of immigrant parents, who has built a life dedicated to helping others. She’s worked hard to open her own business, pursue higher education, and share her passion for health and fitness with her community.

In November 2024, Mandy noticed a lump on the right side of her neck, which we initially thought was just a sign of lymph node swelling due to an infection. Over time, however, the lump grew larger and became increasingly uncomfortable. After multiple doctor visits, ultrasounds, and biopsies, the doctors confirmed that Mandy has nasopharyngeal carcinoma that has spread to her lymph nodes. This is a devastating diagnosis, especially for someone who has always lived a healthy lifestyle—working out, running half marathons, and focusing on overall wellness.

Mandy has never smoked, rarely drinks, and has made it her mission to help others improve their health. To say this diagnosis was unexpected is an understatement. It has turned our world upside down. With that said, Mandy has never been one to back down from a fight and we are facing this challenge head-on.

As we begin the treatment process, which will include months of chemotherapy, radiation, and more, we are facing significant financial challenges. Medical expenses, even with insurance, are overwhelming, and I am working extra hours to keep up with bills while maintaining our medical coverage. To make matters more difficult, we need to move to a smaller home so that Mandy’s parents can come live with us to help care for her while I continue working full-time.

We are reaching out for support during this incredibly difficult time, but please know that we do not ask for help lightly. Anyone who knows us understands that we value independence and self-sufficiency. But right now, the most important thing is getting Mandy the treatment she needs and managing the financial strain this is placing on us. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help us navigate this challenging journey.

We also understand that times are tough for many, and if you’re unable to donate, we would be incredibly grateful if you could share this message with your networks. The more people who see it, the more support we may be able to receive.

As I am sure you know, this is not the future we envisioned. We had plans to move to Oregon, buy a home, and start a family. But those dreams have been put on hold. We’re focusing on getting through this year of treatment and doing everything we can to stay positive, despite the uncertainty ahead.

Thank you for being part of our lives, for your ongoing support, and for any help you are able to offer. Whether it’s a donation, a kind word, or simply sharing our story, we appreciate each and every one of you more than you know.

With gratitude,
 Salina and Mandy