Mika's Cancer Fund

Hello, my name is Mika.

I was diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer in September 2022. I went through a double mastectomy on December 21, 2022.

After my oncologists finished their final pathology, they found two small aggressive tumours that progressed to Stage 1. They then stated that I need four rounds of chemotherapy, followed by hormone therapy as my cancer is hormone-based.

You may or may not know about all the challenges I've had to face and how difficult my recovery has been. Less than a month from my December 21st double mastectomy, I had to undergo two surgeries in the span of one week due to infections. This has derailed my healing and has hindered my full return to work. I have been largely dependent on my family and friends to fulfill my daily tasks. I have never felt so helpless in my life.

I have been put through the wringer physically, mentally, and emotionally. I struggle with anxiety, frustration, and fear on a daily basis. My medical oncologist has stated that I will definitely lose all my body hair, and that there will also be many physical side effects (both short-term and long-term) as a result of the chemotherapy. In addition, I worry about my survival and my own mortality — these are the things that keep me up all night. While my emotional and mental trauma will be a lifelong process, what I have to immediately tackle are my upcoming chemotherapy sessions and the physical and material impact those sessions will create for me and my family.

Cancer comes with many out-of-pocket costs. I don’t have private health insurance and cannot afford to pay for my medication. This is where you may come in, if you are able to do so. I hate asking for help, but I need to reach out. It doesn’t hurt to ask.

I am asking for monetary help to cover the costs of my medication, Uber rides to and from my many doctor’s appointments, grocery deliveries, gas money to compensate friends who give me rides, head coverings, and other miscellaneous costs.

I am reaching out to my community for help. I'm thankful for any contribution, no matter the amount. If you are unable to donate, I still thank you for reading this. I am grateful for your well-wishes and good vibes as I recover.

Any funds I don’t use will be donated to a worthy institution such as After Breast Cancer www.afterbreastcancer.ca . After Breast Cancer is an organization that helps breast cancer patients with no private health insurance fund their expenses such as mastectomy bras after surgery. As you may or may not know, these expenses are out of pocket, and may not be accessible to all.

Another institution I intend to donate to is St. Michael's Hospital, https://stmichaelsfoundation.com/donate as they have been instrumental in taking care of me and have helped numerous people in the CIBC Breast Centre.

My family and I are so thankful for those who have donated their time and resources towards my recovery. I hope to come out on the other end stronger and cancer-free.

I am so grateful for your generosity and kindness. Thank you for the concern you have shown that led you to read the above. I will provide periodic updates as my chemotherapy commences.

If anything, I want to urge EVERYONE to get tested or to be more proactive with their health. Cancer doesn’t care how young you are or how healthy you feel you may be. Even though my journey has been so incredibly difficult, early detection saved my life. I urge everyone to get check-ups.

TL;DR — I need chemotherapy and I need help from my community. Anything helps, even good vibes. Thank you for listening and for your love.

Thanks,

Mika