Niri's Cancer Treatment

My name is Maya Krieger. Recently my mother was diagnosed with endometrial and uterine cancer. With the current state of medical costs, I am fully aware that following through with this treatment will put my middle-class family well into debt. The treatment she needs consists of a total hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus and cervix), as well as multiple rounds of chemotherapy to eliminate lingering cancer cells. The procedure is estimated to amount to over $15,000 (before applying additional costs for recovery). Our health insurance will only be able to cover a small portion of this. We need to reach this goal by March 3rd, 2023.

ABOUT NIRI

Nirmala, my mother, was born and raised in Trinidad, a small Caribbean island known for its vibrant festivals and rich Indian culture. As a young adult, she moved to the United States with her two sisters, settling in Ohio with her older sister, Shakila. There she pursued a degree in Agricultural Science at Cleveland State University, and eventually ended up working at a small deli where she met my father. For dad, it was love at first sight. Mom wasn’t so easily swayed, but eventually, he got through to her, and only 6 months into their relationship they were engaged. As a newlywed couple, they got by with what they had in their small apartment. Mom was still at the deli, and dad had a renovation business. That didn’t stop them from starting a family, however, and soon enough she was pregnant with her first child (that’s me).

Unfortunately, the celebration was short-lived as my grandmother would suffer from a massive stroke following the news, and my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer not long after. As a new parent, my mother had not only been tasked with acting as caretaker for our sick grandparents, but also for her newborn daughter. Despite the pressure, she never once left my dad’s side, nor left my grandparents to suffer. Unfortunately, my grandfather would succumb to his illness and pass away, with my grandmother’s condition worsening by the day. Despite all of the grief, however, my mother stood impossibly strong in order to support her family and raise her child.

In 2005, she gave birth to my brother, David. Her second pregnancy was anything but easy on her. My brother had been delivered via emergency c-section (a surgical incision), putting my mother out of commission for days. But no matter how much pain she had sat through, it was all worth it in the end. She raised us as best as she could, showering us with love and wisdom, something she continues to do to this day. She got us the best education she could afford, always supporting our dreams and aspirations. Through my darkest moments of transitioning into adulthood, she’s always been there for me, encouraging me to push onward.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

Despite her diagnosis and uncertain future, my mother has kept her up high and continues to be a ray of sunshine for all of those around her. She is a mother not only to me and my brother but to everyone. She is infectiously generous, always gifting hand-crafted self-care & crochet goods to her loved ones. A humble woman, she seldom asks for anything in return. I know that she’ll be hesitant on receiving charity for her treatment, but I won’t allow the medical fees to financially cripple our family if it can be helped. I love her more than anyone could know, and I’m certain that she has what it takes to get through these tough procedures. She’s sacrificed so much for me, it’s the least I can do to give back to her. For her sake, and all of those that she has cared for over the years, I humbly ask for your help in raising funds for her treatment.