My name is Ana Virginia Duran Diaz, and I’m writing this with a heart full of hope and fear. I came to the United States from Venezuela in 2021 with nothing but a dream — a dream to build a better future for myself and to make my family proud. This fall, I was accepted to Western Carolina University. It should have been the happiest chapter of my life. Instead, I’m facing the biggest battle I’ve ever known.
A few months ago, I was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) — a rare, life-altering cancer that has changed everything.
I’m only 22 years old. I should be worrying about classes, homework, and my job. Instead, I’m scared about whether I’ll be able to afford the treatment that could save my life.
My family is low-income. My parents have sacrificed so much for me to be here. I work part-time to help pay for school, but now every dollar we have is being stretched between tuition, rent, food, and the costly medications and treatment I need just to survive. We simply can’t do it alone.
We are asking for help — from anyone who can give even a little. Every donation, every share, every word of encouragement means the world to me. I want to live. I want to graduate. I want to give back one day and help others like me.
Please help me fight this cancer and stay in school. I’m not ready to give up — I’m just getting started.
With love and gratitude,
Duran family
