Our Story
When I was three years old, my family immigrated to the United States from Bosnia in search of a better future. I had the opportunity to grow up here, learn English, attend school, and ultimately earn my Master of Public Health. My parents' experience was different. Like many immigrants, they worked tirelessly to build a life for our family while navigating a language they were still learning and systems that often felt confusing and overwhelming—especially healthcare.
That experience stayed with me, but I never imagined how deeply I would come to understand those challenges.
In September 2021, our lives changed forever.
My brother, Alen, was only 30 years old. He was healthy, athletic, and an accomplished MMA fighter known by his nickname, M1. While showering after a workout at the gym, he suffered a grand mal seizure. He was rushed by ambulance to the hospital, where imaging revealed a large brain tumor.
As we stood outside the hospital trying to process the devastating news, my parents asked me a question I'll never forget:
"His job hasn't enrolled him in insurance yet. What do we do?"
In one of the most frightening moments of our lives, our attention was divided between fear for my brother and concern over how we would afford his care.
I quickly found him an affordable health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, but because coverage wouldn't begin for four more days, we were left with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses during that gap. I immediately began applying for financial assistance through the hospital, and thankfully, those efforts ultimately resulted in the debt being forgiven.
That was only the beginning.
After surgery, my brother was diagnosed with a Grade 3 oligodendroglioma, a rare brain cancer. His recovery included mobility and speech challenges while he prepared for radiation and chemotherapy.
As my parents focused on caring for their son, I became our family's navigator.
I managed insurance claims, appealed denials, applied for disability benefits, coordinated appointments, researched treatment options, interpreted medical information, communicated with healthcare providers, and searched tirelessly for financial assistance and community resources. I saw firsthand how overwhelming the healthcare system can be, even for a family determined to do everything possible.
Our family was fortunate. We had someone who understood the healthcare system and knew how to advocate.
Many families do not.
Too many patients face barriers that have nothing to do with their diagnosis—language differences, limited health literacy, financial hardship, lack of insurance, transportation challenges, or simply not knowing where to turn next. No one should have to navigate those obstacles while fighting for their life.
In May 2026, I earned my Master of Public Health with a renewed sense of purpose. Inspired by my brother's courage and resilience, I founded The M1 Foundation, named in honor of his MMA nickname.
Today, my brother is in observation with no active tumor, and his journey continues to inspire everything we do.
The M1 Foundation was created with one mission:
To ensure that every person facing a cancer diagnosis—regardless of language, income, culture, or familiarity with the U.S. healthcare system—has access to the guidance, resources, and support they need to receive timely, high-quality care.
We believe no one should have to fight cancer alone.
Fight Like M1. No One Fights Alone.
