I want to express my deepest gratitude to the AYA Foundation from the bottom of my heart and the hearts of my family. As a third-year nursing student, I never expected to find myself on the receiving end of patient care. When I received the devastating diagnosis of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia during a routine check-up, my life changed in an instant. Despite feeling completely healthy, I had to confront the reality of this illness and the challenging treatment that lay ahead. On top of that, I had to face the uncertainty of my future fertility and the dream of becoming a mother someday.
In this difficult time, I found myself working as a nanny, surrounded by the joy of children. The thought of not being able to have my own family in the future was heartbreaking. It was my oncologist who recommended fertility preservation, but I soon discovered that my insurance did not cover the cost, which was exorbitant. With the urgency of the situation, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of how I would ever afford the necessary treatment.
However, through a stroke of luck, I was blessed with the contact information for the AYA Foundation, led by the compassionate Dr. Jaime Estrada, MD. Dr. Estrada became an angel to me and my family, offering guidance and support every step of the way. He took the time to explain the grant application process and connected me with fertility specialists and valuable resources. His dedication and efforts were instrumental in helping me obtain the treatment I so desperately needed and had prayed for.
As a young adult just beginning my journey into adulthood, cancer hit me like a ton of bricks. It brought with it overwhelming hardships, both financially and emotionally. The AYA Foundation has been a lifeline in my darkest moments, providing unwavering support and understanding to young adults and adolescents in our community. I am forever grateful to this incredible organization that has shown such compassion and generosity. Thank you, AYA Foundation, for making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
