Many of you know Shahista as someone who is always the first to step up and help others in times of need. Whether its offering support, kindness, or simply being there when someone needs her most, she has always given so much of herself to those around her. Today, SHE is the one who needs OUR support. As her best friend of nearly 35 years, I am hoping we can show up for her when she needs us most.

Since 2024, Shahista has been facing some serious and ongoing health challenges and was recently diagnosed with two chronic respiratory diseases. As a result of her symptoms, she was forced to reduce her working hours, resulting in a significant loss of income. Despite these hardships, she had continued to face everything with strength and positivity.

Unfortunately, due to her illness, Shahista has had to postpone the completion of the nursing program upgrade she was so excited to pursue. She has also had to give up many of the hobbies and activities she loves (i.e. swimming, hiking and other sports) and her doctors have restricted her from travelling to visit family in the USA because of her medical condition. Her quality of life has been severely impacted by her conditions. Over the past year, she has been rushed to the ER 4 times due to severe respiratory distress and must always be within 30-45 minutes of a major hospital at all times.

We are hoping to come together as friends, family and community members to help ease some of the financial burden she is carrying. Many of the medications and treatments she urgently needs are unfortunately not covered by MSP, including a biologic that her specialist feels will make a significant improvement in her conditions. The biologic alone is $4900 a month. With some third party assistance, this leaves her with approx. $3185 per month in out-of-pocket medical expenses - a cost that is impossible to manage. This medication has the potential to restore her quality of life and potentially eradicate many of the symptoms she suffers with. This is where your support becomes life changing.

Any donation, no matter the amount, would mean so much and would go directly towards helping Shahista cover essential medical expenses and relieve some of the stress during this incredibly difficult time. If you are unable to donate, sharing this campaign would also be very much appreciated as well as your prayers and positive thoughts.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support.