Dear friends,

I'm reaching out with a heavy heart to ask for your support for my friend Yelena Vanchugova, who is facing an unimaginable family crisis.

Just over a month ago, Yelena’s stepfather Mike—who has been married to her mother Irina for 21 years—was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. The cancer has already spread to multiple organs, including his brain. After a sudden hemorrhage, Mike underwent emergency brain surgery last week. His prognosis is not good: doctors estimate he has just one month left.

My friend’s mother Irina is battling her own serious health challenges. She suffers from an advanced form of Type 2 diabetes and needs ongoing medication, but she has no health insurance. With Mike no longer able to work, Irina has lost her main source of support and no longer able to afford housing or medical care.

My friend Yelena is doing everything she can. She’s helping with Mike’s care, relocating her mother to an apartment closer to her so she can help, and covering her mom’s rent and expenses. But she’s also raising three children and working two jobs. She is exhausted—emotionally, physically, and financially.

I’ve created this GoFundMe to help ease some of the burden on Yelena. Funds will go toward:

• Mike’s end-of-life care and nursing facility costs

• Irina’s relocation and essential diabetes treatment

• Emergency living expenses while the family navigates this incredibly difficult time

Every donation—no matter how small—makes a difference. If you’re not in a position to give, sharing this campaign with your network would mean a lot.

Let’s rally around this family and show them they’re not alone.

With gratitude,

Marina