Support Maria's Journey to Healing and Hope

Hello, my name is Maria Teresa Bonilla, I have lived in Phoenix, Arizona for 25 years. I am a journalist and I have always practiced my career trying to serve the community.

In 2022 I was diagnosed with metastatic triple negative breast cancer, the most aggressive form of breast cancer. Thank God it was discovered in time and I was able to receive treatment that consisted of chemotherapy and three surgeries, which included a double mastectomy and hysterectomy.

The cancer was diagnosed in June 2022. At that time I was working with a local government agency in Arizona, I loved my job and I loved what I did, because it was educating the community about the importance of caring for the environment.

When I found out about my illness, I told my supervisors, to my surprise, they did not take it with compassion, nor did they help me in the process, I told them that on my part I was not going to change anything, that my job was my refuge and that I was going to be able to fulfill it as until then.

On the contrary, they took an accusatory and condemning attitude towards a person who had to undergo strong chemotherapy every Friday.

The people who had previously praised my work, at that moment began to wage psychological warfare on me, which ended in my dismissal in October 2022.

That devastated me, more than the disease itself, on a moral level. But with the support of my family, I got up, shook myself off, and focused on my healing.

In 2023, the three operations came, and many challenges arose to pay the bills and co-payments for operations and medical visits.

We are a family of 5, my husband and my three sons. The only fixed salary currently is the one my husband contributes. My oldest son helps us but it is no longer enough.

I have applied for many jobs since the beginning of the year, but I have not yet had a job opportunity.

Our life is torn between choosing to pay the mortgage on the house and not be left homeless or being able to buy food and pay bills.

For me, reaching out and asking for help is difficult, because I have always been one of those who prefers to help others, people who know me know that this is the case.

Right now, while I am looking for a job, I have had to cancel many follow-up health appointments because I owe a lot of co-payments.

Finally, a drug affected my immune system and made my body attack healthy organs and that has caused me other health problems.

But I keep going and I will not let myself be defeated, I just need a boost, I need money to pay off those doctor bills and to be able to go to some places to share my story, as part of my independent work that I am trying to get ahead.

With much respect, if any of you can help me even with a dollar, believe me it will not be in vain.

Thank you very much in advance and I promise that I will always use my voice to help those in need.