UPLIFT
THIS EVENT IS A FUNDRAISER FOR VAIVA LUBAKAITE CANCER RECOVERY
*Please read description below to get the details about what she is facing.
**All profits from this event will be donated entirely to her.
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MUSIC
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We are excited to bring out
SUNSHINE JONES
*He is one of the founders of DUBTRIBE SOUNDSYSTEM
**Live electronic performance
w/Local musical support from:
DJ WIGGLES
KEVIN DAVIS JR.
MENAGE
MOUSSA
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@ The Den - 116 SE Yamhill St.
21+ Only
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ABOUT OUR DEAR SISTER IN OUR DANCE COMMUNITY, VAIVA LUBUKAITE.
Many of us know VAIVA LABUKAITE as a kind, generous, resilient, and deeply caring person who has touched countless lives through her warmth, friendship, and presence in our community. Today, she is facing the greatest challenge of her life, and we are coming together to support her through it.
Recently, after experiencing severe pain, doctors discovered a large cancerous tumor in her chest cavity, located between her lungs and ribs near her heart. After extensive testing, she was diagnosed with chondrosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer that is resistant to chemotherapy and can only be treated through surgery.
After more research, we learned that this kind of cancer is generally found in young children or elders who have already experienced some form of cancer and been exposed to large amounts of radiation. The surgeon explained that the only two possible causes are either incredibly bad luck or a residual effect of Chernobyl. She was seven years old when the nuclear reactor exploded, living in Lithuania under Soviet rule. The government hid the information and didn’t properly warn people about the dangers of radioactive fallout. Although Lithuania is a few hundred miles from the site, weather patterns carried radioactive iodine and cesium across the country. This cancer has been brewing in her system for a very long time, as chondrosarcoma tends to grow slowly.
She is in stage one cancer, but it is a grade 2 tumor, about the size of a large orange. The diagnosis came as a complete shock. Doctors were surprised not only by the size of the tumor but also by its unusual location. While the cancer is currently classified as Stage 1, the tumor itself is significant and requires an extraordinarily complex surgical procedure.
She recently went through a major operation in which surgeons removed multiple ribs, part of her lung and diaphragm, and reconstructed portions of her chest wall. The surgery was lengthy and demanding, and will be followed by an extensive recovery period of at least two months with very limited mobility.
As she focuses on healing and rebuilding her strength, everyday expenses will continue to accumulate. Like so many people facing a serious medical crisis, the financial burden of being unable to work while recovering adds another layer of stress during an already overwhelming time.
This fundraiser is our opportunity to give back to someone who has given so much of herself to others. Every ticket purchased, every donation made, and every act of support helps ease the burden of rent, food, medical expenses, and daily living costs so that she can focus entirely on healing.
If you are able to contribute, no amount is too small. If you cannot donate, your presence, prayers, positive thoughts, and sharing of this fundraiser are equally appreciated.
Thank you for helping us surround Vaiva Labukaite with the love, support, and community she deserves. Together, we can help carry her through this chapter and toward a full recovery.
With gratitude!