Hello everyone,

My name is Melissa, and I’d like to introduce you to my friend Sam. I met Sam at work about six months ago, and in that short time, I’ve come to know her as one of the strongest people I’ve ever met.

A few months ago, Sam shared some heartbreaking news with me—her cancer has returned for the fourth time. This time, it’s much more aggressive.

Sam is truly a fighter, and I’m asking you to please take a moment to read her story below.

Hello, my name is Sam Valenzuela.

I am 38 years old, a wife, and a mother of four, currently battling stage 3 stomach cancer. This is not my first fight—I have beaten cancer three times before. But this time feels different.

The cancer is more aggressive, and life has become much more challenging. I’ve had to have difficult conversations with my family, even preparing them for the possibility of losing me. Each time I’ve faced this disease, I’ve fought with everything I have—but now I’m exhausted, physically, emotionally, and financially.

My husband and I both work full-time, but the cost of my treatments, along with my daughter’s lupus care, has created a heavy burden on our family. I am currently undergoing chemotherapy and participating in a clinical trial, and it has become more than we can manage on our own.

It’s not easy for me to ask for help—I’ve always believed in working hard for what I have—but right now, I simply can’t do it alone.

Anything you can give would mean so much to us. If you’re unable to donate, sharing my story would also be a blessing.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this.