Hi everyone,

My name is Maria. I was diagnosed in June of 2025 with advanced stage lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymph nodes. Out of concern that the cancer has spread to my bone marrow, I was advised to begin treatment right away.

I am a single mother of three, and this diagnosis has not only been hard for me, but for my children as well. My youngest is four years old, and she has been diagnosed with level three autism. She receives ABA services, music therapy, and speech therapy from home. My boys are 7 and 10, both in elementary school, and they are the best big brothers.

Outside of being a mother, my passion lies in my schoolwork. I earned an associate's degree in legal studies. I took a break from school after becoming a respite provider for at-risk youth and children with special needs, as well as doing in-home daycare. During my time as a respite provider and childcare provider, I was privileged to care for many children who brought great purpose to my life.

Right now, I am currently enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, pursuing a bachelor's degree in pre-law: political science with a minor in sociology. My long-term goal has always been to attend law school. I am asking for help in caring for my family over these next few months as I undergo chemotherapy and help in paying for a portion of my tuition for next semester as I plan to attend school part-time online while I kick cancer's butt.

Thank you,

Maria Pozo