Mailza Teixeira de Paula came from Brazil to the UK on her first-ever international trip, excited to visit London and reunite with her daughter, her brother, and her niece. She arrived feeling generally well, experiencing only mild body itching, which she believed was related to a previous diagnosis of chikungunya made in Brazil months earlier.

About two weeks after arriving in London, Mailza health began to decline rapidly. She developed extreme fatigue, constant drowsiness, shortness of breath, severe swelling, dizziness, and almost complete inability to urinate. Her condition worsened to the point where she could barely stand and was at risk of a stroke. She was admitted to the emergency department on December 18th at Northwick Park Hospital.

Blood tests revealed a critical situation: her white blood cell count was nearly 10 times higher than normal, immediately alarming doctors. Further examinations showed multiple complications, including lung impairment and swollen lymph nodes. Mailza has now been hospitalized for over a week and has undergone extensive testing, including two biopsies (bone marrow and lymph node), MRI scans, X-rays, and intensive medication.

Doctors strongly suspect lymphoma cancer, and Mailza is now preparing to begin chemotherapy. Unfortunately, her travel insurance only covered the initial emergency care, and the NHS does not cover treatment costs for non-residents. As a result, all ongoing medical care is being charged privately.

The financial burden is overwhelming. Each biopsy costs approximately £4,000–£5,000, with additional expenses for hospital stay, medications, imaging tests, and specialist care. The hospital has already requested a £6,000 deposit, which the family is struggling to pay. The first chemotherapy session alone is estimated to cost between £5,000 and £8,000, and she may require more than one session before being medically cleared to return to Brazil.

Beyond medical expenses, there will also be costs for flight rescheduling, continued treatment upon her return to Brazil, and specialist consultations with all medical reports.

We are humbly asking for any contribution, no matter the amount. Every donation will help Mailza receive the urgent care she needs and give her the chance to continue fighting for her life.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this incredibly difficult time.

Deus abençoe