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Help Berlinda Fight Acute Myeloid Leukemia
On Friday, May 9, 2025, our beloved sister, wife, mother, and grandmother Berlinda Guelho was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) — a sudden and aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Our world changed overnight, and we are now doing everything we can to support her as she begins the fight of her life.
How It All Started
Back in March 2025, Berlinda began feeling extremely tired — more than usual — and she wasn’t getting better. On March 31, she woke up with a 103°F fever and went to the hospital. Initial bloodwork showed that her red and white blood cell counts were low. She tested negative for COVID-19 but positive for influenza. Since her blood pressure was normal, she was sent home with instructions to take Tylenol and Motrin and follow up with her primary care doctor.
A week later, follow-up bloodwork again showed low cell counts. Her blood pressure had dropped to concerning levels, but this too was dismissed as part of flu recovery. With no further follow-ups scheduled, Berlinda continued to feel unwell — weak, fatigued, dizzy, and unable to return to work.
Then, on April 24, her symptoms became unbearable. She woke up so dizzy and nauseous that she couldn’t stand, so Ze’, her husband, called an ambulance. Even in the hospital, Berlinda couldn’t open her eyes for two days due to the intense vertigo and weakness.
On Monday, April 28, she was discharged with the words:
“We found some cells in your blood that are commonly found in cancer patients.”
On Monday, May 5, Berlinda underwent a bone marrow extraction.
By Tuesday evening, May 6, she received the official diagnosis:
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
At her appointment on Friday, May 9, Berlinda and her family received more difficult news. In addition to AML, she tested positive for a mutated FLT3 cell, which makes the leukemia more aggressive and less responsive to standard chemotherapy.
As if that were not hard enough, we were also informed of a second mutated cell called TP53. A defective TP53 gene can lead to uncontrolled cell growth of abnormal cells.
Berlinda’s Courage and Faith
Berlinda is currently undergoing her first day of intensive chemotherapy today, May 14. She has been told she will be in the hospital for the next six weeks. During this time, she will undergo multiple chemo treatments, bone marrow transplants, blood transfusions, and possibly stem cell transplants. Her devoted husband, Ze’, has left his job to be by her side and care for their family full time.
Berlinda is a strong woman of Christian faith. She is trusting in her Savior to walk with her every step of the way and is believing for a miraculous healing. Her strength and hopeful attitude have been an encouragement to everyone she speaks with.
Per Berlinda’s request, please keep her and her family in your daily prayers. She is trusting in the Lord to do great things and would love for everyone to partner with her in faith as she walks this journey.
The Family
Berlinda and Ze’ have a beautiful, close-knit family:
Daughter Alexa (32) and her son Raphael (7)
Son Anthony “AJ” (23)
Daughter Bella (16)
Their beloved 4-year-old puggle, Major
With Berlinda in the hospital, Ze’ by her side, and Alexa stepping in to support her mom and raise her own child, life at home has changed drastically. Despite the challenges, they are holding onto faith and each other.
Why We Need Your Help
We are seeking to raise $50,000 to help cover the costs of:
Medical expenses for ongoing cancer treatments that are not covered by basic health insurance
Travel and transportation for ongoing treatments (hospital is over an hour from home)
Overnight stays ($15/night) while she's hospitalized
Meals and household support for the kids while Ze’ is away
Every dollar makes a difference. This is an incredibly difficult time, and your help — big or small — will lift an enormous burden off the Guelho family.
How You Can Support
If you’re able to donate, no matter how small, we are beyond grateful. If you can't give at this time, please share Berlinda’s story with others who might be able to help.
Most of all, please pray. We know this road won’t be easy, but with your support — and by God’s grace — we believe Berlinda has a real fighting chance.
If you would like to sign up to be part of a prayer chain, please click the following link:
With love, hope, and deep gratitude,
Berlinda’s entire family
Organizer
