Update 3/13/26

Iliana has now been seen by the surgeon and here are the current updates. The bone (t10 located in her spine) seen in the MRI, is being replaced (think a termite in wood) by an unknown mass. They cannot remove the affected area due do the risk of bleeding out or organ failure in surgery. The best they can do is remove and vertebrae to release pressure on the spinal cord, put supportive bolts above and below the fragile disk and complete a biopsy on the mass. The question is, “what is the mass?” the surgeon bluntly explained how its either bone cancer or some sort of infection in the affected bone. We will not the result of the biopsy until 10-14 days after the surgery (7:30AM march 14 PST). Recovery will be a journey that will last months and when the diagnosis comes that journey will change and may be prolonged. We humbly ask for prayers that it is not cancer, a safe and efficient surgery, and a painless (as possible) recovery. Iliana is so grateful for the prayers and financial help in these uneasy, scary, times. God bless.

My best friend Iliana is facing one of the most challenging moments of her life. After months of unexplained symptoms and not being heard by doctors, she was finally diagnosed with a mass in her spine that is compressing her spinal cord. This has caused her significant difficulty walking and numbness throughout the lower half of her body. The situation has become urgent, and she now needs to undergo a very invasive, emergency surgery to relieve the pressure and prevent further damage.

After surgery, Iliana will require extensive physical therapy to regain her strength and mobility. Unfortunately, her insurance will not cover all of the medical bills, and the costs of surgery, therapy, and living expenses during her recovery are overwhelming. We are reaching out to our community for help, hoping to ease the financial burden so she can focus on healing and getting back on her feet.

We are so grateful for any support you can offer—whether it’s a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing this fundraiser with others. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us during this difficult time. Thank you for standing with Iliana and showing her that she is not alone.