Meet Marian, a resilient 37-year-old mother of two lively boys, Liam (11) and Reyden (5), whose life took a drastic turn in December 2021. As a passionate occupational therapist working with both pediatric and geriatric patients, Marian has always focused on helping others. But in late 2021, her life was interrupted by a medical emergency requiring surgery to remove a blockage in her small intestine. Complications followed, and Marian faced multiple surgeries throughout 2022, each one bringing new challenges like scar tissue, hernias, and strictures that made even basic eating nearly impossible. By the end of 2023, after much hard work and perseverance, Marian was finally adjusting to her “new normal.”

In July 2024, just as things were stabilizing, Marian began experiencing a severe inability to keep down food or water. She initially assumed it was a GI issue, but tests revealed an unexpected and devastating diagnosis: stage 3 right-sided ascending colon cancer. This led to yet another emergency surgery to remove the tumor, along with 75 lymph nodes and other affected tissues. Shocked and overwhelmed, Marian found herself processing a life-altering diagnosis she’d never imagined facing at 37. Determined to fight, she began a 12-round aggressive chemotherapy regimen, facing setbacks like immune system drops, infections, and allergic reactions, which have extended her treatment. Despite these challenges, Marian remains focused on completing her treatment by mid-February 2025, praying that her journey will soon reach a turning point.

We at Fightstrong Foundation were honored to meet Marian virtually and were inspired by her unyielding strength, optimism, and love for her family. To support her during these difficult times, we donated Amazon and Visa gift cards, giving her the flexibility to buy essentials for herself and her children. Marian’s heartfelt appreciation and positive outlook remind us of the courage and resilience that can emerge even in life’s darkest moments. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, and we are incredibly grateful to stand beside her on her journey.

Stay strong, Marian – we’re cheering for you every step of the way! We love you and will continue to pray for you.