In November of 2023, I went to the ER for what I believed was pain caused by a kidney stone. To my surprise, a CT scan revealed large masses on both of my ovaries. A little more than a week later, I underwent surgery to remove them. After more than four hours in the operating room, I woke up to the devastating news that not only were the masses malignant, but the cancer had already spread to other organs. From that moment, my life has never been the same. I’ve endured two major surgeries, failed treatments, six rounds of chemotherapy, and more appointments, labs, and scans than I ever thought possible.

After finishing chemo in the summer of 2024, I continued receiving maintenance drug infusions every three weeks. Completing 22 cycles of that medication allowed me to remain "No Evidence of Disease" (NED) until January of this year, when scans confirmed the cancer had returned. I reluctantly agreed to try a targeted medication, despite the potential for serious side effects, because it seemed to be my best option. After just two doses, I experienced significant visual impairment and essentially lost most of my sight for three days.

If you know me, you know I am fiercely optimistic and guided by my faith. However, after experiencing those terrifying side effects, I felt completely broken. I truly felt the heavy weight and reality of this diagnosis. While I am blessed with an incredible oncology team, I felt at that point I had to look for a different route. I began researching integrative and alternative options to find ways to truly help my body heal.

Since then, I have been working with a well-known Chinese medicine clinic, following the guidance of a practitioner I am certain God placed in my life to help me. Unfortunately, because health insurance only covers standard-of-care conventional treatments, I am entirely self-funding this path. Since March, I have already spent over $15,000 out of pocket on alternative medicine.

Cancer is extremely complex, but I wholeheartedly believe that if my body created it, my body can heal it. My latest scan showed a mixed response—significant improvement in one main area of concern, alongside minimal growth in others. I know in my heart this approach is working, and it allows me to fight this horrible disease without compromising my quality of life.

Never did I imagine I would have to ask for financial help, but despite continuing to work full-time throughout this entire journey, I am quickly running out of resources to sustain these treatments.

I have so much to live for, and I refuse to give up. As my mom’s only child, I feel a profound responsibility to be here for her and continue taking care of her as I have since my father passed. My mom is the main reason I continue to get back up and fight as hard as I do. No matter what, cancer will never win—it will never steal my faith, my hope, or my smile.

If you find yourself in a position to donate and feel led to do so, please know it would mean the world to me. If you are unable to donate, sharing this page or simply keeping me in your prayers is just as important to me.

With love & gratitude,

Yadira