On Monday, I was living my normal life.

By Friday, I had cancer.

Just a week ago, I thought I had a cold. I had a lump in my neck, some fatigue, and a feeling that something wasn’t quite right. Cancer never crossed my mind.

What followed was a whirlwind of appointments, scans, biopsies, and specialist visits. Within days, I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes in my neck.

At 39 years old, I never imagined I would be writing these words.

The next step is major surgery to remove my thyroid and affected lymph nodes, followed by radioactive iodine treatment. While the prognosis is good, the financial reality of getting there is overwhelming.

I am uninsured.

Before treatment has even begun, the medical bills are already arriving. Every scan, biopsy, specialist appointment, and upcoming procedure adds another expense. What started as a lump in my neck has quickly become a mountain of medical costs that I have no way to prepare for.

The diagnosis itself doesn’t scare me as much as the uncertainty of how to manage everything that comes with it. In a single week, my life changed completely.

Anyone who knows me knows that asking for help is not easy for me. I’ve gone back and forth about creating this fundraiser, but the truth is that I need support.

Any donation will help cover medical expenses, surgery, treatment, medications, and the many costs that come with navigating cancer without insurance.

If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser or keeping me in your thoughts means just as much.

Thank you for your kindness, your support, and for helping me focus on healing instead of worrying about how I’ll pay for the care I need.

With gratitude,

Rikae Garcia