Stand by Mari: Facing Cancer and Hard Times

Hi, my name is Karla, and I’m starting this fundraiser for my very dear friend and neighbor, Mari.

Last August, Mari received the devastating news that she had late-stage 3 metastatic breast cancer. Since then, she’s been fighting through it with incredible strength, going through 16 rounds of chemo, a radical mastectomy, and now she’s almost at the end of a difficult 7-week daily radiation treatment.

Once she finishes radiation, her doctor will check to see if the cancer is gone. That’s what we’re all hoping for. If the results are good, she’ll move on to a 7-year course of oral chemotherapy, taken as pills.

All of this has taken a huge toll physically, emotionally, and financially. Mari had to stop working, and her husband, who has some serious health issues of his own, had to take time off too to help care for her. He’s now back working part-time, but it’s just not enough to keep up with everything.

They’re a sweet, humble couple just trying to get through each day. Mari doesn’t have close family nearby, just a few relatives in Nevada. They’ve fallen behind on rent and utilities and have been relying on a small group of friends to help keep them afloat. But at this point, things are getting critical. They’re at risk of eviction and can’t keep up with the basics such as- rent, electricity, medications, gas, car insurance, bills or even groceries.

If you’re able to help in any way, big or small, it would mean so much. And if donating isn’t possible right now, even just sharing this with others would be a huge help.

Thank you so much for reading Mari’s story and for anything you’re able to do. Your support, in any form, means more than you know.

With love and gratitude,

Karla