Hi, everyone!
I am Shin and I am asking for support for the stage II non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment of a dear friend in Brazil.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the cells of the lymphatic system, part of the body’s defense system. The main cause of lymphoma is a mutation in the DNA of lymphocyte cells, which leads to the uncontrolled growth and spread of these cells.
On May 13, 2025, our friend Karen Araujo, 47, was diagnosed with lymphoma.
Due to the progression of the disease, Karen underwent a delicate surgery to remove a lump in her neck and currently experiences severe pain in the cervical region and often feels tired.
Her treatment will consist of at least 06 chemotherapy sessions to try to shrink the cancer and improve her quality of life.
Why does Karen need our help?
Karen works in the public transportation system in the city of Porto Alegre, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Unfortunately, Karen has suffered a series of misfortunes in recent years, and for this reason she needs support.
The daughter of a working-class mother who raised her alone, Karen was a single mother, born and raised by her mother in the center of Porto Alegre, where she has lived most of her life and currently resides in her small rented apartment.
Tragically, on May 04, 2024, the city of Porto Alegre suffered the greatest climate catastrophe in its history, when rains flooded 95% of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, severely impacting the lives of residents like Karen.
She lived for months under intense psychological stress, without access to basic items such as water and electricity, until the city restored all supplies and food supplies.
As an only child, Karen had to care for her mother, who had suffered from Hepatitis C for almost two decades before her death. To care for her, Karen had to sell off her assets, incurring a lot of debt. As a result of this accumulation, her ability to pay for the treatment costs is currently severely compromised.
Although there is a public health system in Brazil, in practice, there is a huge waiting list and cancer is a disease that cannot wait.
In addition, many treatments and specific and better quality exams are not covered by the public system or by Karen’s health plan, and must be paid for privately.
Studies show that timely treatment significantly increases the chance of surviving cancer.
And that is why we are racing against time.
Total estimated cost of Karen´s treatment is: US$9.436,83, and breakdown is below:
- Karen will need at least 06 chemotherapy sessions, at a cost of US$350,87 each, for a total of US$2.105,26.
- At least 10 appointments with the Hematologist, for a total of US$3.384,21.
- Hospital stay and surgery costs total US$3.947,36.
Karen’s salary is currently used to pay off debts, leaving little left for her own health care.
I have created this fundraiser for Karen’s treatment to give her as much time as possible to enjoy her beautiful life and to see her daughter graduate.
We appreciate your kindness and generosity in helping to make Karen’s treatment possible and save her life.
I will continue to update you on Karen’s journey and progress.
Once again, thank you all so much.
Brazilian donors can make donation via:
- Pix Key ( Chave PIX): 51996127105
