Finding Light in the Darkness: Maia’s Story

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Maia Pasheva

When Maia Pasheva received a terminal diagnosis, her life changed in an instant. Doctors told her she had just two years to live. The news left her feeling hopeless, terrified and alone. She believed her story was ending.

But then Maia found Jewish Family & Children’s Service (JFCS), and everything began to shift.

“From the moment I reached out, JFCS wrapped me in care,” Maia said. “They didn’t just offer help—they offered hope, something I had nearly lost.”

JFCS connected her with her therapist Mari Oxentenko, director of Older Adults – Behavioral Health, and Lindsey Dunning, a nurse practitioner at the West Valley Healthcare Center, who quickly became pillars of her healing journey. Oxentenko helped Maia process the shock of her diagnosis, cope with her emotions and rediscover her inner strength. Maia called her “the best therapist in the universe” and credited her with helping her move from fear to hope.

Dunning also played a key role by providing thoughtful, expert support and helping Maia navigate the emotional toll of her illness.

“They helped me believe that my diagnosis didn’t have to be the end of my story,” Maia recalled. “For the first time in months, I felt seen, heard and supported.”

JFCS provided more than behavioral health services. They offered emotional support, resources and a sense of community. Maia felt like a person again, not just a patient. She said JFCS treated her with dignity and made her feel worthy of care.

Today, Maia is living with purpose and gratitude. She still faces medical challenges, but she no longer feels helpless. With JFCS by her side, she has found the strength to move forward.

“I’m not just surviving. I’m living again,” she said. “To anyone who feels like there is no hope, I promise you there is. JFCS is out there, ready to walk beside you when life feels too heavy to carry alone.”

Your support makes stories like Maia’s possible. Every gift to JFCS helps ensure that people facing their darkest moments receive the care, compassion and connection they deserve. Together, we can remind those who are struggling that they are never truly alone.