"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much."

Hi my name is Belinda Alba-Canfield and I'm reaching out to you with a heavy heart, 'cause life has decided to give us a real tough time. It all started when my dear sister, Rita Martinez, started having some flu-like symptoms and never-ending fatigue that we thought was just an annoying bug she had caught. But the truth was far worse than we could've ever imagined.

She was experiencing severe back pains during that time, she and her husband Steve initially thought a visit to the chiropractor would bring some relief. The chiropractor advised them to go to the emergency room, as it appeared that something more serious was happening. That's when they met with a shocking truth.

Rita was diagnosed with breast cancer that has spread to her spine and fractured a vertebrae.

Their lives were completely upended when they received this devastating news.

In addition to the fractures in her spine, her femur bones have also been affected by the cancer.

Metal rods have been implanted in her femur bones to prevent further damage and fractures.

The road to recovery includes 10 rounds of radiation and a week of therapy at a nursing home.

She has already undergone numerous tests, including MRIs and CT scans, and has been in and out of hospitals since June 23rd. She is also on two chemo drugs that are quite expensive.

Steve has become her primary caregiver, helping her with everyday tasks that they once took for granted. From dressing her and assisting with bathroom trips to providing emotional support, he is doing everything he can to be there for her in this time of need.

On November 5th, they will be celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary, a milestone that they never imagined would coincide with such a devastating diagnosis.

Rita is a fighter, though, and she's battling this disease with all the determination she's got. She did get discharged from the hospital on July 27.

The problem now is this: their in way over our heads with the medical bills, the specialized treatments, and the everyday expenses. With her husband Steve being on disability due to multiple rotator cuff surgeries in both his left and right arms, their household income has been drastically reduced. His ability to work and support his family has been limited, and now more than ever, they need a helping hand.

This is why I am reaching out to you today, humbly asking for your support. I have set up a FreeFunder page to help alleviate the financial burden that they are facing. Your support means the world to us and will directly contribute to Rita's medical expenses, and necessary adjustments to their daily lives as we focus on her recovery.

As they approach their 39th anniversary, I am reminded of the love and commitment that has kept them strong throughout the years. Now, more than ever, I am in awe of my sister's strength and determination to fight this battle.

She is a beacon of hope and resilience and determined to beat this illness. But the road ahead is long and filled with uncertainties.

Her husband, is doing everything in his power to support Rita during this time. He's always there by her side, providing comfort, love, and strength. But the overwhelming financial burden, medical bills, specialized treatments, and ongoing care have left them grappling with expenses that they simply cannot bear alone. With your help, we can give Rita the care she needs.

Please don't think any amount of money is too small. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a significant impact on Rita's journey toward recovery.

Together, we can rally around this brave woman and show her the power of love and community.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to read our plea for help, and thanks in advance for your support. Your generosity and compassion will forever be engraved in our hearts.

We are eternally grateful and humbled by the support we have received thus far, and we remain hopeful that, with your continued support, Rita's story will be one of triumph and healing.

Please share our FreeFunder page with your friends, family, and social networks to help spread the word.

Let's show Rita that, with unity and love, anything's possible