Hi, it’s Camila! If you’re reading this, it’s because our paths meaningfully crossed at some point. We may have worked together, I may have taught your kids about nature and Bolivia, or we may have simply shared a smile.

Today, I want to tell you the story of a lump.

Earlier this year, my husband Pablo and I were packing our bags to start a new chapter of our lives in San Diego.

But then, I found a little lump that changed everything. Several weeks later, I was diagnosed with Stage 2A Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Just like that, we went from thinking we were moving out of state, to finding an apartment 10 minutes away from Fred Hutch Cancer Center so I could begin treatment.

The road ahead is long, but I’m ready for it. My treatment plan includes 18 rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

If it sounds like a lot, it’s because… well, it is. TNBC is aggressive and fast-moving, but treatable. My cancer treatment team made this plan for me with the goal of 100% recovery.

Because battling cancer is mentally, physically, and emotionally draining, I have had to step away from my dream job: working with kids. Additionally, since Pablo and I want to have a family someday and treatment reduces the chances of natural conception, I underwent one round of IVF right before beginning treatment. And when treatment began, I contracted a blood infection through my chemo port, leading to IV antibiotics around the clock at home.

The long story short here is, the past few months have been exceptionally challenging.

I am not the kind of person who usually asks for help, but we need to lean on our village right now. All contribution made would go purely towards my cancer treatment, and lost income to cover our living expenses that are stacking up now.

And if funds aren’t possible, from my heart to yours, please send a little thought to the universe, say a prayer if you feel called to, and picture me healthy doing the things I love most: being out in nature, knitting, teaching, or zooming around with my dog Tofu. I’ll feel it, I promise.

Thank you for showing up for us. It means everything.