Please help first time mother fight breast cancer

Mirna was eight months pregnant when she learned of her cancer diagnosis. She had to deliver her baby immediately after the doctors discovered that she had Stage III Breast Cancer. The type of cancer she has developed is a very fast acting but treatable cancer, called Her2Positive.

She is under the care of UCLA Medical Group and world renowned oncologist, Dr. John Glaspy.

Mirna has had yearly mammograms since reaching the age of 40. Last May of 2020 was like every other, in that she went for her mammogram and the results were negative but showing breast density (a very common outcome). This March 2021, she felt a lump in one of her breasts and immediately informed her OBGYN. The doctor told her it was most likely mastitis (inflamed breast tissue and/or clogged milk ducts). For the next three months, the lump grew larger and larger. Every time she contacted her OBGYN, she was reassured it was mastitis. Finally, in June 2021 Mirna had a scheduled appointment with her OBGYN and this time she complained of the pain this so called mastitis was causing. She could feel aches, tenderness, heat radiating from her breasts and even the look of her nipple had changed.

During this appointment, Mirna’s doctor now realized the severity of the situation and also thought that Mirna was in risk of preeclampsia. She immediately sent her to the Labor and Delivery unit where they performed an ultrasound to examine the breast. Just two hours later, three doctors informed Mirna that she needed and biopsy right at that very moment. The next day after leaving the hospital, Mirna was informed that she had Stage III Breast Cancer and was told that they will immediately have to deliver the baby because she needed to start treatment as soon as possible. There was no time to wait. A baby needs his mother to be well. Little did she know that she was going to be fighting her biggest battle to date.

Mirna has kept a positive attitude from the onset of her diagnosis and with every chemo treatment, even though her symptoms have been very difficult to bare at times. She is in love with her newborn, Leo and finds joy in her day just watching him thrive, laugh and grow. She is determined to fight and beat this awful disease and is looking forward to fully healing so she can continue to be the best mom to Leo and create wonderful memories with him.

I ask that you consider donating to Mirna, so we can help her not only pay for her upcoming hospital bills and treatments, but so she can continue to provide for Leo at this difficult time where costs keep adding up on a daily basis.

Mirna works as a make-up artist/hair stylist in the entertainment industry where it is standard to only be provided with insurance if she meets the hourly requirements. Work for her was put to a halt at the beginning of the pandemic, as all production instantly stopped. Now, she is unable to work but she has been able to collect disability and keep her insurance for an extended time. However, this benefit will expire come January 1, 2022. This will put an immense hardship on her and her ability to continue treatment at the same hospital, with her same oncologist, not to mention the hardship of providing for the well being of her newborn son.

If any one of you have the privilege to know Mirna, you would know that she has a very big heart and would do anything she could to help others, including animals. It’s always been in her nature. Please help take this burden off of her. No donation is too small. Your kindness and generosity will help take the focus off of her financial stress and put the focus on getting better.

Thank you all for your consideration. From all of us who love our dear friend Mirna.