Support Zenaida's Battle Against Cancer

Pancreatic Cancer Took My Future Please Help Me Fight for What’s Left.

I never thought this would be my life. My name is Zenaida Duarte and I am 71, and just a short time ago, I was living what I thought was a fairly normal life — working, making plans, trying to enjoy the little moments. Now, I spend most of my days in hospitals, fighting for time… and sometimes, just the strength to keep going.

I’ve been diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer.

I wish I could tell you I caught it early, that there’s a clear plan and a good prognosis. But the truth is, pancreatic cancer is often silent — and by the time I found out, it was already too far along. The doctors told me there’s no cure. They said the best they can do is slow it down and try to give me more time.

More time.

That’s all I think about now. More time to be with the people I love. More time to laugh. More time to just live — not in a hospital bed, not sick from chemo, not in pain. Just… live.

The treatments are harsh. I wake up nauseous, weak, and scared. My body is fighting, but it’s tired. I’m tired. I’ve lost weight. I’ve lost hair. I’ve lost any illusion that this will be easy. But I’m not ready to give up. I want to be here as long as I can — and for that, I need help.

Pancreatic cancer doesn’t just steal your health — it steals your stability. I’ve had to stop working. Bills are piling up. Hospital visits, medications, co-pays, travel expenses — they never stop. I try not to worry about money, but when you’re fighting to stay alive, every extra worry feels like a weight on your chest.

That’s why I’m here. It’s not easy to ask for help. Honestly, it’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But I’m out of options, and I’m hoping that someone out there might read this and care enough to help — even just a little.

Every donation will go toward my treatment, medications, and basic living costs. Every share could bring this page to someone who can help. Every kind word reminds me that I’m not alone in this.

If you’ve made it this far — thank you. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you for seeing me, for hearing my story, and for standing with me in the darkest chapter of my life.

With love and hope,

Zenaida Duarte