Saving Shannon

Cancer's Trying to Stop Me, But I'm Not Giving In

Hi there, I’m Shannon (Rafaela Sara) Sultana, a 27-year-old architecture student from Netanya.

Life enthusiast and dream chaser.

I want to start by saying I'm beyond blessed with the most amazing support system - my incredible parents, brothers, sis-in-law, and my partner who's soon to be my husband.

They've been my guiding light through thick and thin.

My dream? It’s pretty simple: Beat cancer and get back to living my life. Cancer's been throwing me some curveballs, disrupting my studies, stealing my joy, but I refuse to let it win.

It all started one morning with a pounding headache.

Little did I know it was the beginning of a lifechanging journey.

Tests revealed a grade 4 brain tumor -

a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

Next thing I knew, I was spending endless days in the hospital.

But here’s the deal - I won’t let this disease beat me. 

Surgery, radiation, losing my hair… I won’t lie, it’s been tough.

But my faith is stronger than ever.

Seeing my family in pain breaks my heart,

but my partner’s love and support keeps me strong.

Every day, I pray for healing, for another shot at life.

Unfortunately, the treatments available in Israel are no longer effective,

and the cancer continues to progress.

After consulting with leading medical experts, I've found hope in a brain cancer center in LA. They offer an innovative treatment plan, including another surgery to remove the tumor and give me a chance at life.

But there's a big hurdle - the cost. It's sky-high.

But I won’t let that stop me.

I’m reaching out for help, something I’ve never done before.

I’m gearing up for the fight of my life,

and I need your support to make it happen. 

Every bit helps, big or small.

And I promise to keep you in the loop every step of the way.

Thank you for being part of my journey.