In October, I began experiencing symptoms that led my doctors to recommend a colonoscopy. During the procedure, they discovered a malignant tumor in my colon. The news was overwhelming, but I knew I had to take the next steps to fight for my health. I underwent colon surgery to remove the tumor, and during the operation, my medical team found two to three more tumors outside my colon. They removed those as well, along with 47 lymph nodes. Unfortunately, two of those lymph nodes tested positive for malignancy, and I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. This diagnosis is aggressive, and my oncologist has recommended six months of chemotherapy to give me the best chance at recovery.

My doctor also advised me to take time off work during my treatment, which means I will be without employment for the next six months. This has put me in a difficult financial position, as I do not have savings to fall back on. The stress of managing living expenses—like rent, food, and utilities—on top of medical bills and deductibles is overwhelming. I am doing everything I can to stay positive and focus on my health, but I know I cannot do this alone.

I am reaching out to my family, friends, and the community for support during this challenging time. Any help you can offer, whether it’s sharing my fundraiser or making a contribution, will make a meaningful difference in my life. Thank you for standing with me as I fight this battle and work toward recovery.