Hi, I’m Ioana, and I want to share a bit about my cousin, Anastasia Gradinariu.

She’s one of those rare people who seems to do everything — and do it well. She’s a student at Stefan cel Mare National College in Suceava, Romania, where she’s known not just for being smart, but for being brilliant. She’s won math Olympiads, represented her school and community with pride, and even appeared on the national TV show Prima Oră.

But that’s not all. Anastasia also serves as the head of the Department for Social Inclusion within the County Students’ Council — an advocate for others, always lifting up the people around her.

Now, she needs some of that support herself.

Anastasia has recently been diagnosed with Wegner's Granulomatosis, a rare autoimmune disease that causes serious inflammation in the blood vessels and organs. It’s painful, exhausting, and deeply unpredictable. One day she’s studying or leading a project — the next, she’s in a hospital bed.

This illness has taken her away from the things she loves and thrown her into a battle no teenager should have to fight.

We’re raising funds to help cover:

Her ongoing medical care and treatment costs

Specialist appointments and medications

Travel expenses for care not available locally

Basic needs during this difficult time

Anastasia is someone who usually gives help, but does not ask for it. So I’m asking for her. If you can donate, even a little, it will go directly toward her care and recovery. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this with your friends or community.

She’s already accomplished so much. With a little help, she’ll keep going — and no doubt continue to change the world in her own quiet, brilliant way.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for caring.

— Ioana