Earlier this year, our dear friend Miwa was diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. For those of you that know her, you know that she is an incredibly driven and philanthropic person. She is caring, thoughtful, and dedicated – qualities that shape her as a valuable friend and someone that is wholeheartedly committed to helping others.

A hardworking student, Miwa began attending Princeton University in the fall. Following her diagnosis the next semester, she was in the hospital for approximately three weeks. During this time, she experienced multiple seizures, dangerously high blood pressure, and spent time in the intensive care unit.

After she was discharged from the hospital, Miwa made a decision that she claims she is still proud of: she went back to campus. For the remaining of the spring semester she balanced coursework while undergoing chemotherapy and experiencing its side effects such as extreme fatigue, nausea, and dizziness. Just a few weeks ago, she completed her radiation treatments.

I honestly can’t put into words how proud and grateful I am to be friends with someone like Miwa. Her resilience is deeply moving to everyone around her. Unfortunately, the financial expenses of cancer treatment continue to grow. This is where we all have the opportunity to help Miwa and her family. Anything you can donate will be greatly appreciated. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. In Miwa’s own words:

“This experience has been — and will continue to be — one of the greatest challenges of my life. But it has also given me clarity about my future. I want to fight my cancer, and become an oncologist and a researcher. I want to be in the lab, contributing to the science that saves lives. I want to be at the bedside, understanding the full human experience of illness. My work with Dr. Iwai, my volunteering with Make Cancer History, and now my own diagnosis have all pointed me in the same direction. “