Help Rosemary Conquer Cancer

I’m reaching out to let you know that I'm kicking off a campaign to help Rosemary On and needing your help!

Last year at the end of December, I received terrible news that my dear Aunt, Rosemary, who took on the role of my mother, alongside my other aunts, who cared for me, had fallen ill. For those who knew, I was adopted by my mothers side of the family. I was fortunate to have a caring family, composed of my grandfather, grandmother, aunts, and uncles who helped give me a loving, and safe upbringing. For that, I am eternally grateful. Another mention, is the acceptance of my sexuality and loving me unconditionally. LGBT proud! <-- This was a process in the making that's for certain. 





My aunt initially thought she had allergic reaction to Invisalign but that was not the case. She felt symptoms of rashes, dark colored urine, nausea and vomiting.  Doctors thought she was dehydrated because the annual blood tests were all normal in November.  Two days before Christmas, she was admitted to ER because her blood tests were extremely abnormal.  During ER visit, the MRI scan found a tumor located in the bile duct/pancreas area, blocking the passageway, hence why she was vomiting, and having issues with her pancreas. They conducted an endoscopy to put in a stent to relieve the blockage.  Another procedure EUS/ERCP was conducted to check the tumor, and unfortunately, the tumor was cancerous. I was in complete shock. I’ve been in a high state of panic and anxiety since. I knew that I had to do something as I was living in Los Angeles at the time. I packed my bags and moved over to help her with her treatments and provide any support I could during this challenging and difficult time.

After the diagnosis, the doctors recommended moving forward with a Whipple procedure which would remove the tumor, by removing the head of the pancreas, and reconstruct the small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct. The Whipple procedure is one of the most difficult and challenging surgeries there is.  The surgery was conducted in mid-January which went successfully. My family would like to express a deep thank you to the doctors, nurses, Kaiser team. Dr. Takamori & the team did a great job. During the surgery, they tested the lymph nodes nearby, and unfortunately, they determined that the cancer spread, diagnosing it a Stage 3 cancer. The medical professionals suggested that the next steps would be chemo & radiation. 

I am proud of how much of a trooper Rosemary has been. She has been fighting hard since, and the family is every step of the way. This campaign is to help her do just that. With the funds that we are able to raise for her, she can concentrate on the battle and take of the bills that have incurred, and living expenses during this time. This campaign is one that is very dear to me, with your donations, it will make a huge impact on my aunt's life and in mine. 

Over the past 5 months, Rosemary has been going through very intense Chemotherapy via IV & oral pills daily.  She is a warrior!  The treatments have been very tough for her, feeling nausea, vomiting, intense headaches having to go to ER, rashes, feeling very fatigued and putting in a port for treatments.

She has remain to put a smile on her face, not in fear. The family has been able to spend time together making memories. In this life, each day is a gift and a blessing. 




Next steps starting in June. The radiation will last 5 1/2 weeks.

Please consider making as generous a gift as you can today or pledging to do so in the coming months toward our fundraising goal.  This money will be used to help her along the way. 


#HelpRosemaryBattleCancer


American Cancer Society Bile Duct Cancer Info 

Cholangiocarcinoma Key Statistics