Our family is raising funds for Yaakub's mother, my aunt, Delia Vijandre, who is undergoing emergency medical surgery and cancer treatment for a growing throat mass that has blocked her throat and her ability to speak and breathe.

On March 22, she was admitted to the hospital where they took a biopsy and placed a tracheostomy tube so they could address her breathing issues. She is on humidifier oxygen, an IV drip, and pain medications. According to her doctor, she is past the critical stage as her airway is compromised so surgery is expected.

This medical emergency comes at a time when our family is also navigating the detainment of my cousin, Yaakub Ira Azurin Vijandre, a DACA recipient who continues to be detained over the past six months. It is our hope to fundraise and cover his mother's expenses as he is unable to financially support his family at this time.

Update: On April 8, we received the biopsy results and confirmed that my aunt, Yaakub's mom has cancer. She will be starting her pre-op on Friday, April 10, surgery into the following week, and chemotherapy in the next month. We have increased our GoFundMe goal to reflect the new cost estimate of $10,000 shared by the doctor.

Thank you in advance for joining us as we support my aunt's recovery and wellbeing as Yaakub would have and by that it is also taking care of Yaakub's wellbeing as we continue to fight for his release.