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Help Afona Gebre Fight Cancer

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Afona Gebre’s family and friends are in need of your financial support as he battles his recent life threatening diagnosis of stage 4 stomach cancer.

Afona’s recent diagnosis came as a huge surprise as he is an otherwise very healthy young man. After first experiencing symptoms of stomach pain six months ago, Afona took all necessary precautions and went to his doctor several times seeking medical attention. Afona was misdiagnosed each time while the cancer was spreading, leading to its current devastating state. 

Afona Gebre is an upstanding member of our community, an incredible son, a reliable brother, an admirable cousin, and a loyal friend. He loves his community very much and we need the community to show the same love in return during his time of need. 
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It all began when Afona noticed abdominal pain about six months ago. He visited his doctor for an evaluation and was informed that the pain was due to stress at work and recommended drinking more water, eating better, and getting more rest.

Afona noticed some of the pain initially subsided but after a couple months, the pain continued to worsen. He went back to his doctor for a follow up and had a blood test done for a suspected common bacteria, H. Pylori, that can cause stomach infections. The blood work came back normal; there were no signs of an infection and Afona was given a clean bill of health. 

A fews months later, Afona felt sharp neck and back pain so he went to see a chiropractor. The chiropractor believed a pinched nerve caused the pain so he adjusted his neck, back, and hip and Afona felt better. After a few more weeks, the abdominal pain returned and it was very severe. He took Ibuprofen and after a few hours he vomited significant amounts of blood. Afona immediately went to the emergency room and after running several tests, he was ultimately diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer. 

Unfortunately, most cancers do not show up in blood tests and since stomach cancer is rare for young people, the doctors never cared to screen for it. By the time Afona was diagnosed, the cancer had spread to his liver, abdominal lining, and several bones (neck, back, and hip). 

Surgery is not recommended as the cancer has spread to too many areas and now Afona is left to deal with the recommended radiation and chemotherapy. Also, due to the cancer spreading to his bones, Afona has suffered multiple back and neck fractures and has difficulty with mobility.

Aside from fighting cancer, Afona is dealing with the massive financial burden of radiation, chemotherapy, ER visits, medication, physical therapy, homecare equipment, hospital stays, lab tests, and other related expenses. Afona was working full-time in San Francisco, but is now on disability.

To know Afona is to know a pure soul. Afona is a young and accomplished business professional, a college graduate, and involved in his church. He is a genuine person that strives for great things. It’s unfortunate and shocking that this could happen to anyone, especially to someone like Afona. 

Anything you can do to help is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance, God bless, and please keep him in your prayers!

Donations 

  • Kallirroe Tipton
    • $200 
    • 5 yrs

Fundraising team (4)

Amanuel Tsighe
Organizer
Oakland, CA
Kebra Habte
Beneficiary
Emanuel Christopher Reeve Emahazion
Team member
Saliem Tsighe
Team member
Joseph Gebreyesus
Team member

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