Youlia Sempertegui (Frolova) is a devoted single mom to two young adult children, Sebastian and Sasha, and a dear friend to many. In 2014, Youlia was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer while caring for her sick mother and two young children alone. After a two-year journey filled with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries, she became cancer free. Tragically, in 2018, she lost her mother, her only family, to leukemia which developed after her mother underwent chemotherapy for lymphoma. These experiences have shaped Youlia’s resilience, but now she faces a new and daunting challenge.

Recently, Youlia received the difficult news that she has stomach cancer. In November, she underwent surgery to try to remove the cancer, but it was not successful due to the size and location of the tumor. Before she can undergo stomach surgery in mid-February, she must first have both oral surgery and ENT surgery to address issues caused by past treatment. These procedures are essential steps in her care plan. Afterward, she will need extensive surgery to remove a large portion of her stomach, followed by chemotherapy and ongoing monitoring. To monitor her health, Youlia will also need regular endoscopy procedures. Changes to her medical coverage now require her to pay 20% of each of these upcoming procedures, adding a heavy financial burden to an already stressful time.

The fund will be used to ease the financial burden, supplement Youlia's loss of income while recovering, help pay for her expensive medications, and bring her as close to whole as possible. Her children also work to help support the household, and Sasha is also a full-time college student. If you are unable to donate, please help out by the power of prayer, sending Youlia a text to let her know she is not alone, and if your children know her children, let them know they also have a friend. Every bit of support will help ease her burden and give her hope as she faces this new challenge.