Sandra's Experience - 2026
Updated: 2 days ago
✨The Story✨
Meet our first 2026 Hardship Hero...Sandra!
Sandra’s journey is one of strength, survival, and relentless self advocacy. After years of battling serious health issues like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Gastroparesis, she thought she was finally starting to feel like herself again. But something still wasn’t right. She experienced intense head pressure, passing out, and symptoms no one could seem to explain. Despite seeing countless specialists, Sandra refused to give up, and she was right to trust her instincts. What was once dismissed as a simple pineal cyst turned out to be life threatening, causing 4th ventricle hydrocephalus. She underwent emergency brain surgery that ultimately saved her life.
Now, just months later, Sandra is still fighting. She continues to live with pain, vision issues, and dangerous pressure caused by venous stenosis, requiring another major procedure to place stents in her brain. Through it all, she remains an incredible mother to her two boys and a loving wife, even as her family carries the emotional and financial weight of her medical journey. Sandra’s story is a powerful reminder of how important it is to listen to your body and never stop advocating for yourself. Her strength is nothing short of inspiring, and her fight is far from over.
We are doing something exciting this year! You can donate directly to Sandra’s experience! If you feel drawn to Sandra’s story and feel compelled to give, please visit our website and use the big purple donate button. When donating, be sure to add Sandra’s name in the comment section at checkout so your support goes directly toward her journey.
✨The Gifting✨
✨The Experience✨
Living with chronic illness means every day is unpredictable.
Before her experience, Sandra spent the entire week resting, conserving her energy, and listening to her body, hoping this would be one of her "good days."
It was. 💕
She spent the day surrounded by peace, nature, healing, and kindness.
Afterward, she sent us this message:
"This was the most amazing day! I felt so good all day... I am eternally grateful."
Moments like these are only possible because of our incredible donors, volunteers, and community.
Don't you wan't to be apart of this?!
✨The Thank You's✨
The Sacred Way - Shayla Diaz
Brandi Lee - Floating Sound Meditation
Paradise At The Pool - Al Barone & Tom Neimeister aka "Tom & Al"
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