Mom of 5 Fighting Cancer & Needs Brain Scan--Needs Our Help

Hi, my name is Nadara Collins, and I’m going through something I never imagined I’d face. Last summer I noticed a lump on my neck so I went to the doctor and began this medical journey. I have been undergoing imaging and bloodwork since then and discovered I have a very large tumor in the left lobe of my thyroid. I was referred to an endocrinologist where they confirmed it was a tumor and I had a fine needle aspiration done. All the samples did not show any cancer but I was referred to an ENT because the tumor was large and pressing on my trachea and esophagus causing it to deviate to the right. After a Quick Look and feel of my tumor the doctor said that it was very large and needed to come out. We then scheduled surgery and I had the left lobe removed May 8th. After the removal the left lobe was sent off to pathology where they discovered the multi focal papillary carcinomas. I’ve been diagnosed with cancer within the tumor, and while the left side of my thyroid has already been removed, I now need a second surgery to remove the right side due to the cancer and small tumors discovered on the right side. This will leave me without my thyroid and I will be on thyroid hormone medications for the rest of my life. 

But my medical journey doesn’t stop there.

Even after the thyroid is fully removed, I’ll need further testing—including a nuclear scan and an MRI of my brain—to check for a possible pituitary tumor and get to the root cause of the symptoms I’ve been struggling with for years. I’ve been told it could be caused from my near death birth of my youngest son when I required a blood transfusion. There are still so many unknowns, and it’s a lot to face physically, emotionally, and financially.

I’m a mom to five amazing children, one with special needs who requires frequent medical appointments with specialists and we’ve also opened our home to my daughter’s pregnant 16-year-old friend, giving her a safe and supportive place during a vulnerable time. I’ve always been the one who puts everyone else’s needs before my own and will not be able to provide the extent of care as I've always done because I need help myself to recover.

For the majority of 

last two years, I’ve been the sole income provider for our household. But now, I’m unable to work while undergoing surgeries, recovery, and ongoing diagnostic testing. The cost of medical care, missed work, and supporting a full household has become too much to manage alone.

If you’re in a position to help, your support will go toward:

Surgery and post-operative care

Lab work, medication, and long-term hormone management

MRI and nuclear scan costs

Basic living expenses while I recover

Supporting the children and young mom in our home

Even a small donation can make a big difference. And if you’re unable to give right now, please consider sharing this with your community. Every act of kindness helps lift the weight of what we’re facing.

Thank you so much for being here—for reading, for caring, and for supporting me and my family during this time. I’m doing everything I can to stay strong and keep hope alive.

With love and deep gratitude,

Nadara