Support Milena Alfaro's Battle Against Cancer

Dear Friends and Family,

I would like to share the story of my best friend who is more like a sister to me, Milena Alfaro.

At just 32 years old, Milena was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a young mother of 4 at the time, she immediately underwent intense treatment to make sure she could regain her health as quickly as possible, including a double mastectomy, and chemotherapy. It was a grueling fight, but she made it through. The only thing on her mind was staying alive to raise her children with her husband by her side.

Through additional testing when she was diagnosed, it was also discovered that she had Lynch Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that increases the risk of many cancers. This is something that requires genetic testing as well as ongoing preventative treatment.

Then, just a few years later at 35 years old, and after the birth of their youngest child, the cancer returned and this time was located in her lymph nodes. Again, but more aggressively this time, she underwent various treatments as it was now Stage 3.

Throughout this journey she has had 12 rounds of chemo, 40 radiation treatments, 24 immunotherapy treatments, and two hospitalizations due to pneumonia. She has also had to have multiple breast reconstruction procedures and a total hysterectomy to save her life. Not to mention the day to day struggle of what it must be like to be in treatment and still show up in all the areas of life. But as you can see, she always wears a smile throughout it all.

Like the warrior she is, she never gave up and she is still fighting to this day. She continues to need treatment to ensure that her cancer is treated thoroughly and does not return.

I think the first thing people should now about Milena, is how much light she carries with her. If you know Milena, you know that she is the kind of person that makes sure no one around her goes hungry. If there’s a need, she’s first on the scene. Some people might send you a text when something scary happens, but Milena is coming to your house to make sure you’re okay. She is truly that kind of caring and nurturing person.

Although I am so grateful to have her in my corner, the role she plays most proudly is of mother and wife. She is a mother to 5 beautiful children - ages 2, 8, 10, 13, and 15. If there’s one thing I know, she was born to be a mom. She is an active mother to her children, involved in all of their lives, and focused on all of their wellbeing nonstop. She is the definition of a mother bear, not just to her children, but to mine and all the children in her life. And with all that she’s experienced, she once told me that the hardest part of this fight were the weeks when she could not see her children while being hospitalized.

By profession, Milena is a licensed RN currently serving as an Assistant Director of Nursing. She loves the work she does and is talented to say the least. She continuously goes out of her way to provide the best possible patient care causing so many patients and their families to love her dearly. She even worked until she couldn’t any longer collapsing while doing her best to keep going.

I say all this to say that, this beautiful person, and her family have done all they could to meet the financial demands of her treatment, but it has become far too much for them to manage alone.

The cost of her treatment, medications, and related expenses are becoming overwhelming. And to think, all of this is so she can fight for her life.

As a result, I am asking for your help and kindness. Anything you can contribute, regardless of how much, is a blessing and will go directly toward the medical bills left behind by Milena’s cancer treatment.

Please help me share her story by sharing this campaign with as many people as you can.

I am so thankful for the time you have taken out to read Milena’s story. The love, support, and outpouring of prayers that have been offered on her behalf as well as the prayers for her children and family are so deeply appreciated.

Cancer has already caused so much heartache for this young family and it is my hope that with your help we can be part of the reason they are able to get through this unimaginable time.

With sincerest gratitude,

Kristin Jimenez

You got this, my dear friend, and we got you.

Love you always <3