Shai Surprise- surprise like surprise party! If you know me then at some point you’ve heard this introduction.

But the surprise I recently received was one I never expected. After months of testing, and being poked and prodded I received a diagnosis of Stage II Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. It came at an inopportune time in my life, right as I was beginning to settle into a Teen Director role at the Levy-Hughes clubhouse of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida.

My whole life has been about service and community. For over a decade, I have been a resident of Orlando, Florida where I have dedicated myself to giving back in every way I can. From food drives at Mt. Sinai to service trips with Volunteer UCF, I always find joy in lending a hand. Serving others has always been at the heart of who I am, but now I find myself in a season where I need to ask for help.

This journey is not one I can walk alone. Facing months of treatment, I will be unable to work and continue serving the community in the ways I love. Your support will go directly toward my medical expenses, personal care, and recovery support- giving me the chance to focus fully on healing.

I believe deeply in the power of generosity and faith, and I am leaning on both in this fight. I humbly ask you to prayerfully consider contributing a donation that allows for you to walk beside me on this journey. Your kindness means more than words can express.