Support Tursunay Ziyawudun’s Battle Against Cancer

A very special member of our community has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Tursunay Ziyawudun has endured unimaginable hardships. She survived two harrowing detentions in China’s concentration camps and bravely spoke out to raise awareness about the ongoing genocide in East Turkistan. Now, we have an opportunity to stand with her as she faces a new battle against cancer.

Tursunay is an incredibly resilient Uyghur woman. During her detentions in 2017 and 2018, she suffered severe, inhumane abuses, including torture. After escaping to Kazakhstan, she was finally able to relocate to the United States in 2020 and begin a new life.

The world recognizes her bravery as a camp survivor, but those of us in the Uyghur American community know her more personally. Sister Tursunay bakes the delicious naan we buy each month at the Uyghur bazaar and tailors the vibrant dresses that remind us of home. She is present at every advocacy meeting and community event—offering her voice, her support, and her kindness no matter how hard her own life has been.

Now, she needs our support!

I’ve helped her apply for Medicaid, which will cover most of her medical treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy. However, since she won’t be able to work during her recovery, she urgently needs help with rent, daily living expenses, and remaining out-of-pocket medical costs.

Please consider making a donation—no amount is too small. Your kindness can help ease her burden and remind her she’s not alone in this battle.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.