Dear friends,

On June 27th, our beloved Ami received the heartbreaking diagnosis of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma—an incredibly rare and aggressive cancer that has spread to her oral pharynx. It started in a salivary gland at the base of her tongue and has now launched us into a whirlwind of medical appointments, tests, and tough conversations we never imagined we'd be having.

The days since have been a blur—countless doctor visits, dentist checkups, and endless scans and consultations. It’s taken us away from work, away from routine, and deep into the unknown.

The road ahead is daunting. To fight this cancer, Ami will need a highly invasive surgery lasting between 12 to 16 hours. Doctors have also recommended that all of her teeth be removed before the procedure to reduce infection risk. During surgery, part of the base of her tongue will be taken out. Surgeons will access the area by splitting her jaw—allowing them space to reconstruct as best they can. This will drastically affect her speech and swallowing. Initially, she'll rely on a tracheostomy tube to breathe and a feeding tube for nourishment. It's possible she may never be able to swallow again, but her youth and strength during pre-op testing have given her doctors hope.

We’re fortunate to have insurance—but the costs beyond coverage are still significant. And with a recovery period that could stretch into months, Ami won’t be able to return to work for a long time.

Through all of this, the support we’ve felt from loved ones has meant the world to us. We’re deeply grateful for every message, gesture, and prayer. If you’re able to contribute in any way—whether it’s financial help, a kind word, or simply sharing her story—it would ease some of the weight we’re carrying right now.

Thank you for standing beside us. Your love is our lifeline.

With heartfelt appreciation, Darren