Mariela's Journey with Cervical Cancer

Hello everyone I am fundraising for my sister Mariela and her family. Mariela is one of the most vibrant and loving people I know. She radiates light wherever she goes and cares a lot for her loved ones.

My sister Mariela was recently diagnosed (March 18) with stage 3 cervical cancer. They discovered a tumor that is growing in her cervix and has spread to some nearby lymph nodes. There was concern that the cancer cells could have spread to other parts of the body, so they did a PET scan which confirmed no other organs have been affected. Still, because it has spread to some lymph nodes it is Stage 3, and the doctors have said there is a 60% chance of the cancer being cured.

Doctors recommended she started treatment immediately. She began a 6-week course of chemo and external radiation and another 5 weeks of internal radiation. The treatments were rough on Mariela's body, with 3 hospital stays due to the harsh effects of her treatments. Because the tumor is putting pressure on the kidney, and after developing an infection, she needed to have surgery for a stent to be put in. She is unable to work and surrounding family members are giving constant care. The radiation will continue to work and in 3 months (Sept. 6), Mariela will have another PET scan to determine whether the cancer is gone or what the next steps will be.

Mariela and her husband Josue have two kids, Maya and Matix. They love to spend their time outside, playing/watching soccer, gardening, cooking out, and dancing to name a few. We are hoping in the coming months that Mariela's energy and strength come back to be able to enjoy some of these things soon.

Donations will go to medical bills and the loss of income of both her and her husband Josue during the past months and future months as we continue to navigate this battle. Due to not being able to work, her insurance coverage will end June 30. If donations exceed their goal, they'll go towards general living expenses until Mariela can get back to work.

Thank you for supporting the Rojas family during this tough time. Please continue to keep Mariela and her family in your hearts, minds, and prayers.