Hi everyone,

I created this fund in support of my friend and coworker, Kia. Over the past two years we have worked together, I have gotten to know Kia not as someone who I passively interact with for a couple hours a day, but as an individual that inherently possesses so many admirable and beautiful qualities. Kia is a fairly reserved and quiet person, but she is incredibly observant and attentive to the feelings and needs of others. She displays patience and seemingly inexhaustible good nature at work, especially in light of several ongoing health issues and the intrinsic stress of her job.

Kia has had a recurrence of stomach cancer that she had previously beaten, and she is undergoing surgery in December to combat the cancer's metastasis. Kia has undergone several invasive and intense surgeries, as well as chemotherapy in the past - I share this to highlight the burden she has had to shoulder while working 40-50 hour weeks, driving a 1.5 hour commute every day, and caring for her dog. It takes an individual of deep strength and character to do all this while facing cancer. As someone who interacts with Kia daily, you would never know the difficulties she faces: her humility and absolute sweetness and kindness continue to astound me, especially after she shared her diagnoses with me.

I would like to raise money for the medical expenses she has sustained in the past and will sustain this December. I have had several family members deal with recurring cancer, and I understand how the bills medical insurance doesn't cover pile up. I want Kia to know that her friends, coworkers, and family recognize the immense burden she carries. I also want Kia to feel how deeply we care about her and love her as a person, and via this platform, help her in this financial aspect.

Thank you for your consideration, I greatly appreciate any gesture of kindness.

Sincerely,

Mary Ankenbauer