*Help Carmen Fight Stage 3 Cervical Cancer*

My name is Mariné Sanchez, and I’m reaching out on behalf of my dear friend Carmen Colmenares and her husband, Jorge Medina — two incredibly brave and resilient people who urgently need our support.

Carmen is a 49-year-old Venezuelan lawyer who arrived in Canada just one year ago, full of hope for a better future. She and her husband fled Venezuela due to severe social and political persecution, and after four difficult years facing xenophobia and instability in Peru, they finally found safety here.

But just when they thought they could finally start rebuilding their lives, tragedy struck.

Two months ago, Carmen was diagnosed with Stage 3 cervical cancer. She is currently undergoing aggressive chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Once this stage is complete, she will need to travel to Toronto for further specialized treatment at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — treatment that is essential to giving her a fighting chance.

Jorge, her husband and sole caregiver, had to give up his job to care for her full time and accompany her to the hospital every single day. Their life is now consumed by treatments, travel, and the emotional and physical toll of battling a life-threatening illness — all while facing serious financial hardship.

They are hard-working, kind people who came to Canada determined to build a life rooted in dignity and peace after years of hardship. But right now, they need help to keep a roof over their heads, put food on the table, and cover the basic costs of living while Carmen fights for her life.

This GoFundMe has been created to support Carmen and Jorge during this heartbreaking and uncertain time. Any amount you can give — big or small — will go directly toward covering rent, utilities, groceries, and basic living expenses while Carmen undergoes treatment.

If you feel moved by their story, please consider donating. And if you can’t give right now, please share this campaign with others. Your support, compassion, and kindness can make all the difference.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

—

Marinee Sánchez

Friend and organizer