The Chaves Family’s battle with cancer - CLOSED

Hi, my name is Tiffany & I’m organizing this fundraiser along with my family to help my Madrinha (godmother) & her family with the financial burden her cancer diagnosis has put on them. In July of 2021, my Madrinha was diagnosed with bile duct cancer after suffering from severe leg pain for several months with no answer as to why. Eventually, after many different tests, is when the cancer was discovered. Obviously, this diagnosis always comes as a shock and with great fear. 

 Yet, my godparents and little cousins continue to amaze me with their unshaken faith. My Madrinha has always been one of the most important and special people in my life. She has been my second mom, my best friend, & my biggest confidant. Anybody who knows me, knows how special my bond with her has been since the day I was born. She means everything and so much more to me, and to my entire family. She has been my hero my whole life, but especially now more than ever, I see how much of a fighter she truly is.

 However, as anyone who has experienced cancer personally or through a loved one knows, the battle does not come without bad days no matter how strong you are. The physical and mental toll it takes on you and your loved ones is something I wish nobody had to experience in this life, yet way too many people do every day. As if that weren’t enough, the financial struggle that comes with all of the countless procedures, chemotherapy sessions, radiation sessions, and everything else in between is unbearable while also still trying to maintain daily expenses. Even with health insurance, the out of pocket costs have piled up beyond what anyone should have to worry about during a time like this in life. With my Madrinha’s battle far from over, this will only continue to weigh heavy on them. 

For my godparents and their three teenaged children, who also own two businesses, it’s been exceptionally hard. They’ve already had to close the doors to one of their businesses, Anjulan’s Florist & Gardens. This was my Madrinha’s baby and it has been heartbreaking to see this once flourishing business with so much life and passion, become an empty building. This has left all of the financial weight on my Padrinho’s (godfather) shoulders as he tries to keep his baby, P&G Irrigation, afloat. Day in and day out for the past year, I’ve watched him re-learn again and again how to best take care of his wife, while still taking care of his three children, and also figuring out how to keep running his business. He does as much as he can from home and only leaves my Madrinha’s side to tend to his business in the field when one of the kids are home from school or myself or another family member is available to stay with my Madrinha. He’s been a rockstar as he’s been his whole life and his strength is nothing short of admirable yet heart wrenching at the same time. However, the toll it is taking is getting in the way of my godparents and little cousins being able to just enjoy each moment as best as they can, without the added worry and fear this has already brought. 

This is where I’m asking our family & friends for help, for them. Whatever you are able to donate, is greatly appreciated. Even if all you can do is share this fundraiser to help spread the word, that is appreciated too. Above all, we ask for your prayers. My family and I thank you, for your support, no matter how big or small.