Let's help my dad kick cancer!!

Hi, my name is Eva and I'm fundraising for my dad Kujtim Malaj...

My dad was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia on Friday, May 27, 2022. Due to this type of leukemia's aggressive progression, the doctors immediately sent him to Turkey to undergo chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, he does not have Health insurance, as it is not common in Albania. Treatment in Albania is not possible hence why he was sent to Turkey immediately. Our immediate and extended family are putting up all the money they can gather. Still, it is not nearly enough to cover his mounting medical expenses to get the care he needs. All care and costs will need to be paid out of pocket. The initial cost for one month of treatment in Turkey is 38,000 Euros. This includes daily care at the hospital and chemotherapy sessions during this upcoming month. The extent of his care requires at least seven months of chemotherapy sessions and medical supervision.

My dad has been taking care of his small family farm in Fier, Albania, for 5 years now, entirely on his own. He left the capital city due to very uncertain economic opportunities, especially for older men, so that he could build on the land that was handed to him by his father. He slept in his car for three months while building his little house all by himself. He wakes up at 5 am to take care of his bees, lambs, goats, chickens, cats, dogs, olive terraces, and veggies. He works around the clock until midnight because he is a one-person show.

When he once asked why he loves his animals, he replied, "They love me, and they are my babies, my best friends." He didn't have any radio or television for five years and barely much interaction with human voices, so the animal's sound "made him feel alive." Even now, in his hospital bed, he can't help but cry for them and how he left them alone. He went to the extent of refusing treatment at a hospital because of his love for his animals.

His life has always been about sacrificing for his family and friends. He grew up during communism in Albania, where the system failed him starting as a child. He didn't get the right to go to college (even though he was a straight-A student) only because his family was against communism. He was discriminated against everywhere he went because he was the son of a rebellious man (his father) who was against the system. They went many days without food because the regimen refused food to anyone suspected of being anti-regimen. His father suffered 15 years in prison only because he fought for his rights and democracy. His father died from lung cancer caused by the horrific conditions while he was in jail. I can't let cancer beat my dad too. I am expecting a baby girl in September 2022 and I need him to see his first grandchild. I want him to know and cherish her for many more years.

My dad is a fighter and a strong man, but he needs all of your love, prayers, and financial assistance. Please consider contributing to help relieve some of the financial burdens our family is facing during this unexpected time and provide him with peace and support as he undergoes surgery and treatment.

We have established this Gofundme to support his medical care that he will face during his treatment and recovery. Any support you could give Kujtim immediately would be greatly appreciated.

We pray for a miracle that no matter how long and devastating this journey is, he can get back on his feet and enjoy his life with family, friends and his dear animals at the farm.

THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL!