Hi, we’re Rita and Natalie, and we’re creating this page for our incredible friend, Zhenya.
Recently, Zhenya received devastating news that she has been diagnosed with Stage 3 ovarian cancer.
She has already undergone two back-to-back surgeries: first laparoscopic surgery, followed by a laparotomy to remove her ovary, lymph nodes, and omentum. She now faces a third major surgery to remove her remaining ovary and uterus. Following that surgery, she will have two weeks to recover before having a port placed to begin six rounds of chemotherapy.
Because of the urgency of her diagnosis, her medical team has advised her to immediately begin the egg retrieval process for IVF before undergoing a third surgery to remove her remaining ovary. This step is time-sensitive and incredibly expensive, adding another emotional and financial layer to an already overwhelming situation.
To make this even more difficult, Zhenya is a nurse, someone who has devoted her life to caring for others. Right now, she is physically unable to work and will be out for the foreseeable future as she prepares for surgery, chemotherapy, and recovery.
We are raising funds to help ease the financial burden of:
• IVF and fertility preservation
• Multiple surgeries and medical expenses
• Chemotherapy and port placement
• Lost income during treatment and recovery
In the middle of processing a cancer diagnosis, Zhenya and her husband Matteo are now also facing the emotional and financial weight of urgent fertility preservation. IVF is incredibly expensive, especially when it must happen quickly in a matter of weeks as the cancer is spreading (and alongside ongoing cancer treatment).
Zhenya has handled this with more strength and grace than we can put into words. But no one should have to carry this kind of burden alone.
Our hope is to ease even a portion of the financial stress so she can focus on healing, treatment, and preserving the chance to build the family they dream of.
If you feel moved to support, any contribution big or small, means more than you know. And if you’re unable to donate, sharing this page privately with close friends and family would also mean the world.
Thank you for loving and supporting Zhenya during this incredibly difficult time.
