Medical & Living Costs for Alaina Holguin

In April of 2021, Alaina was diagnosed with stage 4 Metastatic cancer. She was fast-tracked through chemotherapy for 9 months (April-Nov 2021), followed by radiation 5 days a week for 3 months (March-May 2022).

During this time Alaina never accepted the diagnosis and throughout treatments never took any time off of work. She continued to amaze all of her friends and family by carrying on as though nothing had changed. She removed all negativity from her life. She focused on being grateful in all things and radiating love at all times. It was profound.

After chemo and radiation, Alaina was told her cancer cells were at a record-breaking low number and that she would need only go on an immunotherapy to kill off the remaining small leftover cells and to continue this treatment as “preventative maintenance". That was very exciting and such a miracle!

Alaina, being patient of UCI, with its stellar reputation and being a School of Medicine, had a doctor inform her that there were studies being performed in conjunction with the Immunotherapy she currently undergoes. This trial drug was in its 2nd stage which meant it had not been tested on humans before. Although this was concerning, Alaina's trust in her physician and faith in our Lord led her to believe that it was her opportunity to be a part of something that may save others lives and a part of her testimony.

Unfortunately, Alaina's health took a turn for the worse shortly after starting the trial drug. From the beginning it was extremely toxic and caused many side effects. She always stated that she felt as though she was being poisoned. She saw it through as far as she could until the swelling in her leg made it impossible to walk. She was diagnosed with a complete occlusive DVT, which is very scary. The medications made the cells in her lymphoid swell so much that it began blocking a vein and restricting blood flow to her leg. At this point she decided to remove herself from the study. Receiving her scans from completion of the trail, she was recently informed that the cancer cells are now larger than when her cancer journey even started! Alaina has begun chemotherapy once again, which has caused her immune system to be in distress and resulted in her currently being in Absolute Neutropenia.

She has been recently hospitalized twice and will continue to receive platelet and blood transfusions throughout the next rounds of chemo treatments. She begins radiation again as well within the next two weeks.

The reason we’ve created this gofundme, and are asking for support, is because this has now made it impossible for her to work as well as even be in public. The tumor in one of the lymph nodes near her leg, which has grown significantly, the blood clot, and a new lesion in her abdomen muscle has made her unable to walk without extreme pain. Her apartment is no longer providing an elevator and since she lives on the 4th story, she will need to move ASAP. For the first time ever, let alone during this whole journey, she was forced to apply for disability. This is going to take 3-6 months to have anymore income coming in. All of this adding up has put her in quiet the predicament.

Alaina is one of the hardest-working, single moms I know. She has incredible faith and refuses to let the cancer define her or consume her. As her friend, it's been truly inspiring to see her positive attitude throughout each and every setback.

Besides her medical/medication costs, the hope is that she can also try some alternative/holistic treatments that won't be so hard on her body- including herbal supplements. As some of you may know, these things are costly.

I ask that you support this beautiful mother, sister and friend we have, in any way you can or feel called to. Whether it's with your prayers, $5 or $500 or simple words of encouragement…it all adds up and will mean the world to Alaina and her family!