My wife Raffi needs your help. She is not one to ask for help, but I am here to tell you she needs it. She is battling a rare form of Squamous Cell Carcinoma in her pelvis.

In 2020 she underwent a radical vulvectomy to remove a mass that we later found to be cancerous. Amidst her healing from this surgery we learned that the cancer had metastasized to her inguinal lymph nodes on the left side of her pelvis. This tumor exploded in growth and burst through her skin, leading to a year plus with an open wound. Much to our dismay we found ourselves looking down the barrel of chemotherapy and radiation. The treatments took a toll on her health but she pulled through and has healed through massive challenges of an open, gaping wound where the tumor was, as well as healing from the radiation burns and metal poisoning due to the chemotherapy. It has been a couple of years now with small but manageable re-occurences.

Today, we face another reoccurrence that has hit HARD. Once again, we are left with a gaping wound in her pelvis due to tumor growth. At this moment we are limited in treatment options due to the location of the tumor being inoperable, radiation maxed out, and other hurdles. The pain is constant, and most days revolve around managing the moment.

Thank the Lord our girls have become very accustomed to this pace of living due to the past years of constant hurdles. We have pursued therapy for the girls which has been quite helpful in managing their experiences, because understanding the gravity of the moment is a bit beyond their maturity. This is something that is so beneficial, but it comes at a healthy cost.

We never thought we would be here again. It truly is a constant struggle. Ever since the first surgery, our lives have changed course. In all honesty, there have been so many days of pain, it just seems normal, which is a very harsh reality we don’t share too much.

We have always led a path of integrative care, which we feel has kept Raffi so healthy, and has supported her body’s ability to withstand the aggressive treatments as well as speed up healing. Unfortunately, it comes at a cost that insurance does not cover. Our path forward is becoming more clear by the day, but travel and constant therapies are a sure bet. If there’s anything we’ve learned since we first stepped on this path, it’s that this is the long game, and we must prepare.

At the moment we are trying immunotherapy (which comes at another great cost), as well as integrative support. Due to her wound, wound care is imperative and wound care materials are high due to needing to change dressings often throughout the day. At the moment, Raffi’s walking is limited due to pressure on her pelvis area and has been using a cane to assist when needed. The cane is not only a tough pill to swallow for a fiercely independent soul like Raffi, but also brings on the questions from the girls and others which adds a whole other layer of complexity to the situation. She is not able to sit comfortably, sleep comfortably, or walk any real distance without severe pain. Due to the strain of the tumor, and all the energy it takes to heal— the extra support from friends and babysitters is necessary so Raffi can sleep as immunotherapy can take its toll.

I am working full time and trying to take time off here and there, but this understandably has it’s limits. It’s crazy to say, but most days when I leave for work, she is in pain. We are very blessed to have an incredible team in Atlanta, but the costs of constant travel add up. I can’t put into words the strength and resilience that Raffi possesses. I’ve seen it many times, and I know when she finally asks for help, the magnitude of what she is dealing with must be something that would swallow me whole. Despite all of this, her desire to be a mother and a wife is always surging forth. It breaks my heart that she has to deal with such pain just to do normal life things. She literally lives to care for others. If you know her personally, I know you can attest to this.

Well, now she needs us to gather around her, and lift her up. We will find a solution here, and we will beat this. If you feel a stir in your heart, please consider supporting Raffi and our family in this journey we are on.

Your Financial Support will go the the following.

-Current Medical Costs

-Upcoming Treatments/Therapies

-Immunotherapy

-Childcare

-Necessary IV Support

-Wound Care Materials

-Travel Costs

All funds will go directly to supporting us heal Raffi.

Thank you so much for your support. We Love You!

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