Shazia is a family friend who worked as an assistant at my mom's daycare. In March, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of oral carcinoma, discovered during a biopsy after dental treatments (her first dental treatments in years). At the time, Shazia was living alone in northern Virginia. My family stepped in to support her, taking her to doctor's appointments and discussing next steps with her doctors. After connecting with her family, it was decided that she should move to Dallas to live with her sister, who could provide full-time care during her upcoming cancer treatments.

Shazia is currently unemployed and has no source of income. Although she has government insurance, it is not covering all of her treatments. The tumor has grown significantly in the time that she was getting set up for treatments in Dallas, and she now cannot eat and has difficulty talking. Her first surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, and the hospital has asked for a $2000 payment ASAP. Her sister, who is also a full-time caretaker for her husband and pays for in-home aides, is now caring for both her husband and Shazia, which is a tremendous challenge.

Shazia is an incredibly hard worker, kind, and devoted to her faith. She came to the US 14 years ago and lost her husband just a few years after arriving. She has no children and was already struggling to make ends meet, living in less than ideal conditions when she received this devastating diagnosis. She was beloved by the children and families at my mom's daycare, known for her kindness and sense of humor. We want to do all we can to support her and ensure she receives the treatment she needs. Without additional financial support from the community, we are worried she won't get the treatments in time to fight this aggressive cancer, which is only getting worse by the day.

Please keep her in your prayers/duas and May Allah bless you for anything you contribute! Thank you for your generosity.