#ZUZASTRONG

It’s not easy to begin this…especially when it hits that Zuza’s battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia began at the just the tender age of 3. Zuza, together with her parents, Dagmara and Ryan, and little brother, Fin, haven’t been able to live any stretch of life without AML in the forefront of their thoughts for the past 8 years. With a five year remission to 2020…to three back to back relapses, requiring, respectively, three consecutive bone marrow and NK cell transplants- they hoped and prayed for a cure. Through it all…many have watched and followed this sassy beauty’s dance moves on IG, weighed in with words, gifts, and support from the sidelines, and wrapped this family up in prayers and love. And they need it now more than ever.

Zuza and her family have just learned that her AML is back, and with the same tenacity and determination to propel forward yet again toward a fierce fight…they face even larger hurdles given her graft versus host disease- which precludes her from qualifying for a clinical trial. Her parents are facing the ultimate and most unfathomable task of helping Zuza to cope with the uncertainty and fear that lies ahead in her brave battle. And while a cure for Zuza’s aggressive cancer may be difficult to find….we all know her to be an enigma who continues to inspire and overcome the most difficult of obstacles imaginable over the past eight years.

This is where we ask for your prayers and support. Dagmara and Ryan have been on leave or part time from their jobs for the better part of three years as they’ve travelled for her transplant and cared for Zuza’s post transplant complications. Despite offers, they have refused to look outside their savings for any assistance, however that has dwindled quickly. As any parent would in such dire circumstances, they’ve decided to take leave from their jobs to stay at home with their two children, despite having used all FMLA and leave benefits.

Many of you have known or have been touched by Dagmara and Ryan; two PAs who have served patients in the conventional and integrative medical community for over 20 years. They continue to be humbled by all of your outreach, prayers, and support for their precious daughter over the course of her 8 yr leukemia battle. Despite their uneasiness in having a gofundme established to support their family, it’s those of us in their inner circle who want desperately to unload any of their financial concerns so they can preserve their energy, time, and focus purely on Zuza and Fin.

With deep gratitude and love for all your support over 8 years. ❤️