Hi, my name is Kyarna and I’m raising funds for my cousin Rhianna, who is just 28 years old and was diagnosed with Stage 3 Classical Hodgkin’s Lymphoma — a blood cancer that affects her immune system.

Rhianna has always been a hardworking, self-sufficient woman. She has worked in financial services for over 8 years and continued working as a key worker throughout lockdown, showing up for others during one of the most uncertain periods many of us have ever faced. Now, she found herself in the unimaginable position of needing help herself.

Since 2024, Rhianna repeatedly sought medical help for ongoing symptoms. Between 2024 and 2025 she was repeatedly diagnosed with chest infections by her GP. Many of these diagnoses were not face to face due to restrictions put in place during Covid, alongside constant battles with GP receptionists just to be heard. She was prescribed antibiotics multiple times for suspected chest infections, yet no chest X-ray was carried out — even after a hospital visit following advice from 111, where she expressed wheezing and difficulty breathing.

Only after continuing to push for answers and suffering a very severe “chest infection” in September 2025 was Rhianna finally diagnosed in October 2025. Doctors later confirmed the cancer had likely been present for at least six months, most likely longer. At the time of diagnosis, there was real uncertainty over whether it was stage 3 or stage 4. After extensive testing, stage 3 was confirmed.

She was also told there were no genetic or lifestyle factors that made her more susceptible — this was simply devastating bad luck. Her oncologist later confirmed that what had been diagnosed as repeated “chest infections” were actually symptoms of the cancer presenting itself.

Because her cancer was already advanced, treatment had to begin urgently. This meant Rhianna did not have the opportunity to freeze her eggs before starting chemotherapy, despite having a second opinion and advocating for herself as much as she could given the time pressures. For someone who has always dreamed of becoming a mother, who is a godparent to five children and a deeply loving auntie, this has been one of the most painful realities to face — not just for her, but for all of us who love her.

As she is halfway into her third cycle of chemotherapy, we are awaiting an update to see how Rhianna’s chemotherapy is progressing. Although she is almost halfway through her journey the treatment remains intense, and she remains immunocompromised, exhausted, and unable to return to normal life while her body continues this fight.

Chemotherapy has left her immunocompromised and unable to work, unable to use public transport, or be in crowded places. Her independence has been taken from her almost overnight, and the financial strain has been enormous at a time when her only focus should be getting through treatment and recovery.

We are hoping to raise £15,000 to help cover:

• Fertility treatment and support following the effects of chemotherapy, to help ensure Rhianna still has the opportunity to have the family she has always dreamed of.

• Safe travel to and from hospital appointments

• Treatment-related and living expenses while she is unable to work.

• Financial stability during her continued treatment and recovery.

If chemotherapy does not immediately cause menopause once treatment finishes, part of these funds will be used to support private fertility treatment, giving Rhianna the chance — once she has fully recovered — to try for the family she has always hoped for.

As her cousin, it is incredibly hard to watch someone so young face so much at once. The pain she endures after treatment, the sudden loss of independence, and the emotional toll of this diagnosis have deeply affected her and everyone around her. While we are beyond grateful for the positive response to treatment so far, this has still been the toughest chapter of her life.

Alongside supporting Rhianna, we also hope to raise awareness for other women who may be suffering in silence, repeatedly dismissed, misdiagnosed, or unable to access face-to-face care. If sharing Rhianna’s story encourages even one person to keep pushing for answers, then her experience will help protect others.

Any donation, no matter the size, will help ease the burden and give her some peace of mind during the toughest fight of her life. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean the world to us.

Thank you for reading, for caring, and for supporting my cousin. She has always shown up for others — now it’s our turn to show up for her