Back in the spring of 2021, Maria Starowicz, a once healthy, young, vibrant woman started her journey with cancer. It was in the spring that Maria had stomach pains and went in for a precautionary colonoscopy to see what the cause of her issues were. Tests came back clear. She was sent home to deal with her pain. One day in June, after just starting a new job – Maria was doubled over in pain. Her mother brought her to the ER where she had further testing done. This is the first time we knew the pain was something more serious than your run-of-the-mill IBS or Crohn’s Disease. Cancer. The plan was to fight – as it is with anyone facing such a devastating diagnosis so young. What cancer you ask? Doctors still don’t know the origin. Cervical is the primary site of her cancer, and the secondary is the pelvic colon. Her young, and otherwise healthy body, was riddled with cancer. But Maria said she was going to fight it. And a short time later, her port went in, all the testing was done, and her cancer marker was high, but she wasn’t going to let that deter her. She did rounds and rounds of the most intense chemotherapy cocktail, then both internal and external radiation. And her cancer marker went from 75, the lowest it was during treatment was 12, and now it is back to over 200. Maria has lost a substantial amount of weight, and a tumor sitting on her spine continues to grow and cause severe nerve damage and pain for her – and doctors say eventually it will lead to paralysis of her lower body. In July, Maria’s mother took her to Sloan Kettering in New York City for a second opinion hopeful that they would have a better treatment plan for her ailing daughter. There is a clinical trial that Maria is currently in the initial stages of confirming her eligibility. She most recently passed the bloodwork portion and is scheduled for a cervical biopsy as the last step in the eligibility process. Hope is something we all have for Maria’s young life. She was a healthy 29-year-old when this all started, and we are hopeful that this trial will help save her. Now 30, her faith has gotten her this far, and we are certain of God’s plan for our dear Maria. Thank you all for reading Maria’s story and contributing whatever you can this. Our entire family appreciates your kindness during this time, and all proceeds will go to Maria’s medical and travel expenses for treatment.