Rayah Alnasser

As a friend and co-worker, I’m sharing this on behalf of Sheena, Justin, and their son Zavier—because sometimes the strongest families are the ones who have the hardest time asking for help. At the beginning of 2024, Justin was diagnosed with kidney cancer, beginning a year that would push their family beyond anything they could have imagined. They navigated treatment and recovery, hoping that chapter would be the hardest one they would face. Near the end of 2024, their lives were turned upside down again when Justin was diagnosed with a massive meningioma brain tumor located in an extremely critical area of his brain and spinal column. In December, he underwent a 36-hour brain surgery, but surgeons were only able to remove about one-third of the tumor. Two-thirds of the tumor remains, as removing more would have caused catastrophic damage. Justin spent 30 days at UC Medical Center, followed by three weeks of intensive physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. During this already fragile recovery, he developed meningitis as a complication from the brain surgery, further prolonging his hospital stay and recovery. Prior to the brain surgery, in October 2024, Justin also had to undergo spinal fusion surgery due to the tumor’s involvement in his spinal column. While radiation treatments were completed, the reality is devastating and ongoing: If the remaining tumor grows, there are no additional treatment options available. This is not a “finished” battle—it is a lifelong fight requiring constant monitoring, medical care, and uncertainty. Throughout all of this, Sheena and Justin have worked tirelessly to maintain stability for their son, Zavier, who is autistic and depends on routine, consistency, and emotional safety. Balancing long hospitalizations, recovery, and ongoing medical fear while protecting Zavier’s sense of security has added an enormous emotional weight to an already overwhelming journey. Facing kidney cancer, a life-altering brain tumor, multiple major surgeries, and prolonged hospitalizations in the span of one year has taken an unimaginable emotional and financial toll. Between hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation therapies, medications, travel, lost work time, and mounting medical bills, the expenses have become overwhelming—even with insurance. Anyone who knows Sheena knows how much she gives to others. She continues to show up for her students, coworkers, and family while quietly carrying more than any family should ever have to bear. Their family could truly use support during this ongoing fight. Any donation—no matter the amount—will go directly toward medical expenses and essential living costs, helping ease the burden so they can focus on Justin’s care, Zavier’s stability, and simply surviving this season. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this or keeping their family in your thoughts and prayers means just as much. Thank you for standing with a family who is facing the unthinkable with courage and grace.