Hello loved ones and community!

My beautiful wife, Maria Clara, was recently diagnosed with breast cancer this August. As we continue to get more information from the oncologist, we have learned that she has Stage 2a breast cancer. This news came as a shock, and it became the surreal reality that she will be facing cancer at the age of 27.

Her treatment will consist of 6 rounds of chemotherapy sessions, once a month. Thankfully, the care plan is starting quickly, and she is scheduled to have her first session Wednesday, Sept 17th! After 6 months of chemotherapy, Clara will undergo surgery. Depending on how much cancer is left in her breast, she will be receiving localized treatment. In addition, she will be receiving hormone medication treatment for the next 2-5 years.

Clara has spent the last 4 years aiding families as a nanny and child caretaker. She loves the family she works for, but while undergoing chemotherapy, Clara will be immunocompromised (at higher risk of getting sick), especially as the fall and winter seasons approach, which means she won’t be able to work during her 8-10 months of treatment.

Clara is a brilliant, hard-working, and caring individual who deserves to take this time to fully focus on healing, keeping her mind and body strong as she faces this journey. Clara has been saving up to apply for graduate school for art therapy in the coming years, but these plans are on hold due to the unexpected costs of cancer treatment.

This fundraiser will help cover Clara’s everyday needs while she’s unable to work, as well as medical expenses, and travel support to bring her mother from Niterói, Brasil to be by her side during chemotherapy.

Your donation, no matter the size, will help Clara and our little Long Beach household as we face this challenging time. No one expects to face a cancer diagnosis, nevertheless less at the age of 27. But anyone who knows Clara can speak to her joyful and exuberant nature, her presence, and the light she brings into our lives.

With your support, cancer will not win!

Thank you for your support!

Much love,

Alex <3