Help Em Through Medical Hardship and Surgeries

This is quite possibly the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life. I don’t know how to ask for help, and I feel embarrassed and ashamed to even be writing this. Everyone knows me as the independent freelance chef who works tirelessly, gives generously, and never asks for anything. I’ve always carried my burdens alone, and I’ve always been the one to show up for others. But after three surgeries, mounting medical bills, and now the new medical challenges with my thyroid and spine, I can’t do this alone anymore.

I don’t have anyone to set this up for me, so I’m doing it myself. Admitting that I need help is humbling, but it’s the truth. I’ve been isolated, scared, and trying to hold everything together, but the weight has become too heavy. I’m asking for support—not because I want to, but because I have no other choice if I want to survive this chapter and rebuild my life.

---

My Medical Journey

Since March 2024, I’ve endured:

• 3 Emergency Room visits

• 3 complicated breast surgeries due to serious medical complications

• Advanced cervical stenosis at C5–C6, with severe spinal canal narrowing and nerve compression that may require surgery

• Thyroid nodule: an 8 mm growth in my left thyroid was found during a CAT scan. Later, an MRI revealed it to be 1.55 cm, doubled in size, and now shows multiple suspicious features that were cause for 5 biopsies today. They inserted 5 needles in my neck one by one for 10 seconds each, hoping to get enough samples to send away for hope.

• Illnesses and setbacks, including catching norovirus in an unsafe crew house in Jan 2025, led me to the ER, included in the bills above.

---

I’ve recently undergone multiple scans and tests:

• 3 CT scans

• 2 MRIs (one with contrast)

• Several ultrasounds of breast and thyroid, mammograms, labs, and X‑rays

I still need ongoing consults with neurologists, endocrinologists, endocrinologist surgeons, and spinal surgeons to determine the next steps. I’m a pretty strong girl, so I know I’ll get through this, just this time I can’t alone…

---

Financial Hardship

The medical bills have been devastating.

• Outstanding medical debt: over $29,000 from ER visits, surgeries, and imaging

• Monthly repeating living expenses (without help):

• Housing: ~$1,400

• Food and essentials: ~$400

• Prescriptions: ~$250

• Cell phone & car insurance: ~$266

• Storage unit: ~$200

• Total: ~$2,516 per month, which I am managing, but with the new expenses, it’s quickly evaporating.

Since August 2025, I’ve been on medical leave, recovering from the surgeries, and only had three weeks of income in between. My catering business has collapsed, and I’ve had no steady work since then.

---

Why I’m Asking for Help

I’ve always given to others, but now I need help to survive. Between mounting medical bills, the possibility of thyroid and spinal surgeries, and the cost of simply keeping a roof over my head, I can’t do this alone.

Every donation will go directly toward living expenses and medical bills, allowing me to focus on healing and facing the surgeries ahead with dignity. If you can contribute—or even share this page—you will be helping me keep a roof over my head and giving me the chance to rebuild my life.

---

Closing Thank‑You

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story. Whether you are able to donate or simply share this campaign, your kindness gives me strength. I’ve carried so much alone, but knowing that others are willing to stand with me means more than words can express. Your support is not just financial—it’s hope, dignity, and the chance to keep going.

Please don’t forget to love, respect, and look after each other.

Love,

EmILY Cabañas

edit- MRI shows the 8mm nodule the ultrasound is with the doctor and I’ll post the little friend soon. Love you my babies