Help Dorina Defeat Hodgkins Lymphoma

Hi, my name is Angela and I am fundraising for my close friend Dorina who has been diagnosed with Stage 2 Classic Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. For the next 6 months, Dorina must pause her own journey as an aspiring doctor to undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and other medically necessary treatments.

Many people know Dorina as a dedicated MD/MBA student, a professional vocalist/ performer, and a hardworking, determined young woman. She is also a selfless best friend, fierce supporter, and protector of those around her, and dedicated daughter from an immigrant family.

While studying for her medical school exams, the pages of Dorina’s pathology book became a devastating first-hand reality. Recently, Dorina was officially diagnosed with Stage 2 Classic Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

After suffering from a recurrent flu-like infection, Dorina suddenly noticed a swollen lymph node on the right side of her neck. She soon came to the terrifying realization that a swollen, solid, non-moving, painless neck mass was almost always a malignant cancer. The worried reaction of her doctors ignited a series of tests, imaging, biopsies, and specialist referrals.

The initial CT scan found a 6.2 cm L x 3.4 cm W x 2.7 cm AP mass on the left side of her chest, in addition to the 2.7 cm L x 1.7 cm W x 2.1 cm AP swollen lymph node on the right side of her neck. The significant size and multiple masses called for an urgent biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis of Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

In addition to some preliminary treatments, biopsies, and a port-placement, Dorina will be undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation. Although the doctors are optimistic about her outcome, Dorina will have to take off time from school and work to undergo treatment.

Dorina has always been a compassionate, empathetic, and giving person. She always readily drops her own tasks to help a friend or classmate in need. However, Dorina has also always been incredibly independent. During college, Dorina balanced a Vocal Performance Major alongside Pre-Medical requirements and a Chemistry Minor. In addition to receiving a Dean’s Talent Award, Dorina worked 3 jobs to help offset some of the costs of tuition.

Due to her illness, Dorina is now faced with many inevitable expenses including travel for treatment, necessary medications and medical supplies, daily living expenses, and some surgical procedures and treatments that are not being covered by insurance.

This GoFund me is a way to help support her during this difficult time and offset some of these costs. Please consider donating if you can, and/or sharing this page to help Dorina Defeat Hodgkins Lymphoma.