Message from Juliana: Hi, I’m Juli, but some of you may know me as Baliana from my socials. I would consider myself a bubbly and outgoing person. I have always been someone who dreamed big, always chasing something more, and for the first time it felt like my dreams were finally chasing me back.

I am a 23 year old immigrant in Canada, building my life from the ground up. Over the past year, I poured my heart into content creation on TikTok and found the most beautiful community of over 3k people. You have supported me, laughed with me, and grown with me, and you truly helped me start turning my dreams into reality. I love you all more than words can explain.

Outside of social media, I am a daughter, a sister, and a friend who tries to bring warmth and light wherever she goes. I have always been the person who shows up for others. The first to help, the first to listen, the first to make someone feel less alone.

Now, for the first time, I am the one who needs my community.

The week of Christmas, a time that should have been filled with happiness and celebration, my life changed forever. I was diagnosed with stage 2 HER2 positive breast cancer.

This came after spending an entire year battling an autoimmune disease that no one could figure out. After months of confusion, pain, and unanswered questions, I finally got an answer, but it was one I never imagined for myself.

News like this is devastating at any age, but especially at 23, when life is just beginning and dreams are just starting to take shape. The road ahead is long, uncertain, and incredibly demanding physically, emotionally, and financially. But I am doing my best to face it with strength, grace, and courage.

One of the hardest parts of this journey has been the financial burden that comes with being young and an immigrant. Before starting chemotherapy, I made the decision to preserve my fertility, something deeply important for my future. Because of my status, this was not covered by the government or insurance, even though it is a critical part of cancer care at my age.

I had to take out a $10k loan just to go through the process.

And heartbreakingly, the treatment did not work as it should have. The dosage I was given was not strong enough. I delayed my chemotherapy by two weeks, went through painful daily injections, and took on significant debt, all for a process that ultimately failed.

It is a pain that is hard to put into words.

No one really prepares you for how expensive it is to be sick. Cancer does not just affect your body, it impacts every part of your life. Over the past 16 months, I have had to miss work countless times due to my health. Between lost income, ongoing living expenses, and the cost of treatment, the financial weight has become overwhelming.

While my focus should be on resting, healing, and fighting this disease, the reality is that the stress of finances is always there.

This fundraiser is to help ease that burden.

Your support will help cover medical expenses, including the loan I had to take on, and provide stability for me and my loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. It will allow me to focus on what truly matters right now, healing, hope, and getting through this.

Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. And if you are not able to donate, sharing this or simply keeping me in your thoughts and prayers means just as much.

More than anything, your support reminds me that I am not alone in this fight.

Thank you for standing with me.

With love,

Juli