Sasha’s Fight Against Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer

Where do we begin? We’re all still reeling from the shock of Sunday night, but I’ll try my best to tell the story of our courageous friend, sister, co-laborer, Sasha Leiniz.

On Friday afternoon, Sasha rang the iconic cancer bell. She officially finished her breast cancer treatments. After 1 year of chemotherapy and radiation, after a double mastectomy and a painful recovery, Sasha kissed breast cancer goodbye. Her husband and three babies (Esperanza - 10, Zoë - 6, and Izabel- 4) surrounded her and together all five of them pulled that bell rope. Our God carried the Leiniz family through an impossible season and so with every ringing chime, we all felt the sweet resonance of a victory.

Unfortunately, only two days later, on Sunday night Sasha fell to the ground. She had been struggling with a throbbing headache but like she always does, Sasha pushed through. The headache intensified until finally she collapsed. Joel, her husband, rushed her to the ER. After receiving several scans, we received the news… the breast cancer had spread to her brain, her chest, her lungs, and her liver. The battle is not over.

Sasha has been in the hospital ever since the fall. On September 6th, Sasha is scheduled to undergo brain surgery to remove the large mass that is pressing against her brain and causing these severe headaches. The brain is the primary focus right now. Doctors are optimistic because the mass is in an operable location. We are optimistic because we serve a God of miracles, a God who heals. We are trusting that God will carry Sasha through as He has done time and time again, since the day she was born.

So many of us have been blessed by Sasha. Not only in her role as the Children’s Director at New Covenant Church, but also as a co-laborer, a sister and friend. Sasha is generous and kind. She is intentional with everyone around her. Even as she’s walked this painful breast cancer journey, she’s found unique ways to bless us. We now have a unique opportunity to bless her.

Although we can’t physically fight this battle for Sasha, we can stand with her. Cancer is costly and we don’t want money to be a burden for the Leiniz family. That's why we are starting this page. Both Sasha and Joel (who serves as the Youth Director of New Covenant), have given their lives to full-time ministry. Financial support during this time will bless their family tremendously. 100% of the money collected will go towards their medical and living expenses during this season. Please consider praying and donating generously to the precious Leiniz family.

Psalm 120:1 “In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me.”

Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand".

In God's Perfect Plan,

Bertrhude Albert and Priscilla Zelaya