“My mom, Arlette Rodine, was diagnosed with a massive brain tumor just a few short months ago. Since then, we’ve watched the unthinkable unfold. What began as a glimmer of hope in treatment has now turned into a nightmare.

Over the past few days, her condition has worsened drastically—she struggles to see, speak, and even recognize the faces of the children who are her entire world.

Every passing moment feels like we’re losing her, piece by piece, as the person we know and love slips further away.

Her doctors have delivered a devastating truth: surgery is her only hope.

But time is running out. If it isn’t performed in the next two weeks, the damage could be permanent—or we could lose her entirely.

We are reaching out to you, our community, in desperation, because we cannot save her alone. Any donation, no matter how small, could give us the miracle we so desperately need.

If you can’t donate, please share her story.

Your kindness might be the difference between life and losing her forever.”

Full Story:

My name is Divine Mahoundi, and I am writing this with a heart shattered into pieces. My mom, Arlette Rodine, is just 41 years old—a devoted middle school teacher and the loving mother of six children. She is the strongest, kindest, most selfless person I know, and now, she is fighting for her life.

A few months ago, our world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with a massive brain tumor. At first, we clung to hope as she began treatment, but this hope is slipping through our fingers. Her condition has taken a heartbreaking turn. The tumor is stealing her from us—her ability to see, her once soothing voice, even her memory of those who love her most.

Yesterday, she asked to speak with me. I was overjoyed, but when I video-called her, she didn’t recognize me. Her eyes filled with confusion, her voice was distant, and she refused to believe I was her Divine. The pain in that moment was unbearable, as if parts of my heart were torn away. I had always complained about the miles that separated us, but she would reassure me, saying, ‘I could never forget you, no matter how far.’ Yesterday, those words felt like they were slipping away forever.

Her doctors have made it clear: without urgent surgery, there is no hope. Each day the tumor grows, her chances of recovery shrink. To save her, we need to act immediately—but we face an impossible hurdle.

In the Republic of Congo, where she lives, the medical facilities lack the resources to perform the surgery she desperately needs. We must fund the equipment and her treatment ourselves. To make matters worse, I am thousands of miles away, living in the U.S. as an asylum seeker, unable to bring her here for better care. The distance feels unbearable. I am powerless to hold her hand, to comfort her, to fight alongside her. All I can do is try to move mountains from afar.

We are humbly asking for your help to:

1. Cover the cost of her surgery and the equipment necessary to save her life.

2. Support her recovery and post-operative care.

My mom is more than just our mother—she is our light, our protector, our constant. She has spent her life giving to others: teaching and guiding her students, raising her six children with unconditional love, and inspiring everyone who knows her. She deserves a chance to live.

To see her children grow. To continue shaping young minds. To laugh, to teach, to love.

Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to saving her life. If you cannot donate, please share her story.

Your prayers, your kindness, your support—these are the lifelines we so desperately need in this darkest hour.

From the depths of my heart, thank you for reading, for caring, and for helping us fight for my mom’s life.

Your compassion could be the miracle we’re praying for.

With endless gratitude,

Divine