Crushing Cancer & Fulfilling Dreams

Hi There! My name is Leialoha Concetta Filamena Sousa-Sommo, but you can call me Lei. I am 27 years old and was recently diagnosed with advanced stages of Hodgkin's #Lymphoma, a cancer of the Lymphatic System.

Over the next year I will be undergoing treatments regularly as I fight for my health. At the moment I live over three hours from the nearest medical center capable of treating my cancer. My medical bills and their associated costs such as travel and lodging (I had been camping up until recently but am no longer strong enough to continue), have now far surpassed my fiscal capabilities. Additionally, due to my health, I am unable to work at the moment.

I am seeking assistance from folks like you. Nobody ever expects to be diagnosed with cancer, especially when they are young and healthy. Nobody ever imagines they will need to ask for charity to get by... But sometimes difficult times come knocking and we must persevere and rely on the kindness of others to climb over the next crest.

Donations to this campaign will be used to assist in the payment of my direct and associated medical needs. Should surplus donations be amassed, I will donate 70% of these funds to the Adventure Cycling Association and the rest will go towards the implementation my dream bikepacking tour of Vietnam once my health has returned.

Bikepacking and self-supported cycle touring has empowered me throughout the years and has better prepared me to tackle cancer. I want to share adventure cycling with others, especially young women.

As time goes on, I will be sure to blog my dream tour from recovery, to training, to implementation and reflection so you can follow along.

If you cannot afford to donate, please help spread the word and share this post on your social media feeds.

Thank you all immensely.

Happy Trails.