Many people may not know this, but when I found out I was pregnant with my second child, I learned just two days later that my sister had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I was devastated—I had been ready to share my joy, only to be met with heartbreaking news. For two years, my sister fought this disease with incredible strength: enduring chemotherapy, surgeries, and radiotherapy. The road was tough, but she is a true fighter. We believed she was in remission, but in early March, we received the heartbreaking news that her breast cancer had spread and was now stage 4. She has had every checkup, and we can't explain how her situation progressed, but we know she has fought so hard for so long.

My sister is one of the strongest women I know. I was lucky to be the second child, because I only know the world with my sister in it. If you know her, you know she is a selfless human being—one of the sweetest people I know. She has a love for nature, for doing what's right, and for helping those less fortunate. She adores children and the family's pets, and she has dedicated her professional life to teaching, sharing her passion with the kids she loves so much.

It is difficult for us to ask for community support, but the costs of medication and exams are adding up rapidly. The funds raised here will go directly toward her treatment—covering medications, blood exams, imaging, cardiology exams, and doctor appointments. Every dollar will help ensure she receives the best care possible and can focus on her health without the added stress of financial worries.

I want to thank each one of you for opening up to help us during this incredibly difficult time. We appreciate you; we are grateful for you. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to us, and we are so thankful for any support you can give. To me, she is my ñaña (sister in Kichwa); to my kids, she is Tia Sasa; and to most people, she is "Carlita"—a name that reflects the sweetness everyone sees in her.