This past March, our family welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Ezra, into the world - born to her loving moms, my sister-in-law Irina Zhizhina and my sister, Ali Buffham. But the days that followed that are meant to be the most joyous days spent with your new baby, were replaced with some of the worst news anyone could imagine.

Shortly before Ezra’s birth, Irina began experiencing unexplained bleeding. Concerned, her doctors monitored her closely and recommended waiting until after delivery to run further tests. After Ezra’s arrival, Irina was rushed into a whirlwind of scans, doctor visits and conflicting opinions.

What followed was the kind of news no family should ever have to hear: Irina was diagnosed with an extremely rare, aggressive and high-grade cancer called Myoepithelial Carcinoma, which we were told it is incurable.

Even with this news, Irina is choosing not to give up. The hope is to be able to get treatment out of the country that is not offered here, at the Hope 4 Cancer Treatment Center, which offers integrative and alternative therapies.

Unfortunately, insurance will not cover these treatments, as they are not in the US. The cost of this treatment is too much on their own - and that’s why we’re asking for your help.

If you are able to donate and/or share it would mean the world to Irina, Ali and Ezra. Every dollar raised will go directly towards Irina’s treatment and care as she bravely takes on this fight. Anyone that knows Irina knows she's an amazing friend, giver, mother, and daughter. Thank you for standing with our family during this incredibly difficult time.

Thank you so much,

Miranda Firey (Sister)