Sonya Astaneh-Calahan: Mom, New Teacher, Lymphoma

Meet Sonya Astaneh-Calahan , a giver, a fighter, and my best friend.

 

Sonya has dedicated her life to helping others. She worked hard to obtain her Bachelor from ETSU in 2011. She began working at Johnson City Medical Center that same year. In 2015 she moved to Amedysis Hospice Care where she touched the lives of so many people and made a huge difference for them and their families during a difficult time in their lives. She left hospice to go back to ETSU where, in May of 2021, she obtained her Master’s Degree to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She completed her student teaching at Science Hill High School, and to no great surprise, they loved her! In fall of that year, she was offered a job in the science department teaching 9th and 10th grade and she loves it!

 

Sonya met the love of her life and married him in November of 2018 and gained a beautiful stepdaughter in the process. In July 2021 they completed their family with the birth of their son, Luka.

 

On November 3rd of this year, Sonya was admitted to the hospital due to abnormal blood work. On November 16th her life, and the lives of her young family, changed forever. She was diagnosed with an extremely rare and aggressive type of cancer, Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma. She is currently awaiting transfer to Vanderbilt University Hospital Cancer Unit to receive treatment. 

 

Already, her baby misses her so bad and does not understand where his mommy is. She is an incredible mom and so compassionate to everyone. She has always been the eager helper, and now, she needs your help.

 

Will you please help, even the tiniest bit, this amazing person that has helped so many others, both old and young. Your gift and your prayers would mean so much. Please help us support her and her family during this difficult time that no one should ever have to face.

 

Thank you for your compassion, your support, and your gift.