Supporting Razika & Nadji through Breast Cancer
Donation protected
This campaign is an endeavor of those of us fortunate enough to be close to Razika Harvey and her dear son Nadji.
For those of you who know them, there is no need to explain why they are so special to us. Razika has been the quiet, endearing den mother to many of our children, always with a quick hug and a reassurance as a caretaker at their school. Nadji has been as one of our own since he was barely out of toddler-hood, even as he nears adolescence with a kind and sly sense of humor while remaining one of our most academically gifted. Razika and Nadji have always been a team. As a single mother, she has always worked two or even three jobs at a time to provide for them. When one of those jobs began at our school, it meant that they were finally able to spend more time together.
But several months ago, after much testing, Razika and Nadji were dealt a blow: tests have revealed that Razika has Stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to her liver. The tumor is inoperable.
Razika's long-term prognosis is uncertain. So far, chemotherapy treatments have not lessened the size of the tumor. Her treatment remains ongoing, even as her condition and compromised immune system have left her unable to work. There has been one blessing in all of this- because Razika has always worked so tirelessly to support herself and Nadji, she was absent from many of the parties and gatherings over the years at which our friendships were formed. Now we finally have an opportunity, although ironic, to spend time with her in earnest. Now we know that Razika and Nadji live, as so many of us do, from paycheck-to-paycheck, and that her inability to work has rendered them even more economically precarious than before. Currently the pittance she receives in benefits is not enough to even begin to cover their rent, to say nothing of their other expenses. Razika remains enterprising, despite her condition: she has found means of providing for Nadji's education and extracurricular fees, and plans to begin selling baked goods to augment her income.
This fundraiser is an interim. Razika's insurance is minimal; it covers basics like her chemotherapy but no holistic care. The organic food and supplements prescribed by her doctors must be paid for out-of-pocket. There are no funds for the remainder of rent, utilities, any living expenses- the same expenses we all face, but in the absence of an income or a partner. We are aware that the need is great, and may be ongoing for some time. The stress of not knowing how the most basic necessities will be provided only adds to Razika's psychological burden. We are hoping to alleviate that, so that she will be able to put her efforts towards healing, or to being fully present with Nadji during this time.
Donations are the most practical, but if you do have ideas of other ways to contribute please do reach out.
Now is the time.
Our thanks,
Pascha and Kate
For those of you who know them, there is no need to explain why they are so special to us. Razika has been the quiet, endearing den mother to many of our children, always with a quick hug and a reassurance as a caretaker at their school. Nadji has been as one of our own since he was barely out of toddler-hood, even as he nears adolescence with a kind and sly sense of humor while remaining one of our most academically gifted. Razika and Nadji have always been a team. As a single mother, she has always worked two or even three jobs at a time to provide for them. When one of those jobs began at our school, it meant that they were finally able to spend more time together.
But several months ago, after much testing, Razika and Nadji were dealt a blow: tests have revealed that Razika has Stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to her liver. The tumor is inoperable.
Razika's long-term prognosis is uncertain. So far, chemotherapy treatments have not lessened the size of the tumor. Her treatment remains ongoing, even as her condition and compromised immune system have left her unable to work. There has been one blessing in all of this- because Razika has always worked so tirelessly to support herself and Nadji, she was absent from many of the parties and gatherings over the years at which our friendships were formed. Now we finally have an opportunity, although ironic, to spend time with her in earnest. Now we know that Razika and Nadji live, as so many of us do, from paycheck-to-paycheck, and that her inability to work has rendered them even more economically precarious than before. Currently the pittance she receives in benefits is not enough to even begin to cover their rent, to say nothing of their other expenses. Razika remains enterprising, despite her condition: she has found means of providing for Nadji's education and extracurricular fees, and plans to begin selling baked goods to augment her income.
This fundraiser is an interim. Razika's insurance is minimal; it covers basics like her chemotherapy but no holistic care. The organic food and supplements prescribed by her doctors must be paid for out-of-pocket. There are no funds for the remainder of rent, utilities, any living expenses- the same expenses we all face, but in the absence of an income or a partner. We are aware that the need is great, and may be ongoing for some time. The stress of not knowing how the most basic necessities will be provided only adds to Razika's psychological burden. We are hoping to alleviate that, so that she will be able to put her efforts towards healing, or to being fully present with Nadji during this time.
Donations are the most practical, but if you do have ideas of other ways to contribute please do reach out.
Now is the time.
Our thanks,
Pascha and Kate
Organizer and beneficiary
Pascha Goodwin
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Razika Hadef
Beneficiary