Hello Everyone!!

My name is Rhonda.

In September 2022, through medical intervention, a tumor was discovered on my lower back that turned my world upside down. At first, doctors told me it was just fatty tissue, but something inside me said it was more. I pushed for more answers, and after surgery, I was diagnosed with Plasmacytoma, followed by Systemic Amyloidosis after a full-body PET scan. Hearing those words was like the ground shifting beneath me. In just a few months, my life completely changed; I was unable to continue working, my stem cells were collected, and I began what I thought would be nine cycles of chemo that turned into 29. As treatment wore on, I could barely do the simplest things. I couldn’t eat, couldn’t handle smells, couldn’t even walk or stand for long periods. My body felt like it was shutting down, and all I could do was lie in bed, trying to hold on.

Physical therapy became my lifeline. It gave me back a small piece of myself, my independence. But even that came with struggle; new doctors didn’t believe it would help, and getting approval was a constant fight. I’ve had to battle not just illness, but a system that made everything harder. I was denied disability and SSI, even as my financial situation worsened. I had to go to court, hire an attorney, and I’m still waiting. Every step forward has come with resistance. Insurance changes have made it impossible to see the doctors I trust, including the one I need for my stem cell transplant. I’ve pleaded with social workers and financial advisors, trying to make them understand the toll this is taking, not just physically, but emotionally. It’s heartbreaking to feel like you’re fighting for your life in more ways than one. I never imagined that surviving the illness would be the easier part of this journey.

Now, as of May 2025, the Doctor requested a full-body PET scan and found a total of 7 tumors. In June came the request for a biopsy of the tumor on my right thigh. After being sent to Pathology and more extensive research, my Systemic Amyloidosis is Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma.

I’m deeply grateful that, up until now, most of my medical treatments and services have been covered through insurance. Unfortunately, due to a change in my coverage, I no longer qualify for Medi-Cal. As a result, I’m now facing out-of-pocket costs for the care I still urgently need. I am fundraising to help cover these treatment expenses and essential services as I continue on this difficult journey. Any donation would greatly help me on my journey and would be truly appreciated.

Thank you,

Rhonda Verduzco