Help Star As She Goes Through Cancer Treatment

Hi, my name is Christina and I am fundraising for a fellow end-of-life doula and friend. I met Star about three years ago as a colleague at The Dying Year. We have taught classes together and have mentored each other on this journey in the end-of-life doula profession. Star is the real deal, dedicating her work to helping others throughout the whole life spectrum - birth through death. She is committed to serving underprivileged and minority communities and through her patience, kindness and wisdom, has helped me and those she touches become better people in the world.

I have known Star from the first sign of symptoms, through a formal diagnosis and now a treatment plan. As many people can relate, it is hard asking for help when you are usually the helper. But Star has a long road ahead and will be unable to work as she pursues treatment. Below is her story:

"After struggling with my health and severe pain over the past year, an emergency room pet scan showed a tumor near my liver. Additional scans and biopsies later revealed that it was leiomyosarcoma: a rare soft tissue cancer. Over the next few weeks, I will have two very invasive surgeries to remove all of the cancer, and parts of several organs. The recovery is a long one, and I will need to take time off to prepare and recover from these procedures. We’ve estimated a total of four months and am asking for help with enough to cover my living expenses during that time. I wish that we all lived in a society where those who are sick and disabled could provide for themselves and their families through equitable social programs, but we have not yet reached that space…For those of you who are able to help financially, I am extremely grateful. For those of you who are simply keeping us near to your hearts, and your kind thoughts, I have just as much gratitude. Thank you in advance for whatever ways that you can, and will show up for us during this time.

-Star