Hello, my name is Nicole and i am fundraising for burial costs for my mother Sheri Albo. Early June of 2020 my mom Sheri was working full time and employee of the month at a necessity retailer in Oakland ca, during the covid 19 pandemic. She could be seen daily walking or riding her bike to and from work always with a smile. By the end of June 2020 our family was blindsided when she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that had also spread to her bones. The next 2 months was a blur of hospital stays ( family unable to visit her due to covid 19) that resulted in - 2 strokes -starting chemotherapy. -infection in the blood. -thrush -multiple procedures to drain fluid from her chest surrounding her only functioning lung. Only to be told the cancer had now spread to her brain and her heart. We were told she had 3 months left if she was lucky. My mom came home to be with the ones she loved for whatever time she had left. Myself and her boyfriend of 17 years, Jamie took care of her and made her comfortable in every way we possibly could. It was heartbreaking and painful to watch her wrap her mind around the idea of dying and leaving us behind. Along with the fear of what was to become of her when she passed away.... The morning of October 2, 2020 at 8:16 am, at home, with the ones she loved around her, i held her hand and told her how much i loved her as she took her last breathe. Knowing she is no longer in pain brings me a small glimpse of happiness but there is no pain to compare to losing my mom, best friend, and the reason i know what unconditional love truly is. My mom and i were extremley close and since i am an only child we recently spoke about her wishes when she passed. For years she had said one thing in hopes of sparing me the cost of her actual wishes. In her final month she was honest about wanting to be buried at the chapel of chimes in Hayward, Ca where all of her family members are also buried. I promised my mom i would make it happen if thats what she wanted. 2020 has been a rough year for everyone. For my husband and I there will never be another like it. On Febuary 11, 2020 my mother in law (and my moms best friend) Sarah was hit by a vehicle while using the crosswalk in Alameda ca, 2 blocks from her home resulting in her death and devastating us all. April 8, 2020 I fell down some steps and totally dislocated my knee and was rushed to the hospital and into surgery to repair the damage to my blood vessels. I was in the hospital for over a month also unable to see any family. I had just started to walk again when I found out i was going to lose my mother in a matter of months. That has left me with no time to plan or save, so im reaching out to family, friends, loved ones, strangers, anyone that can help, or share my story I would truly be greatful. Cherish every moment with those you love. From my family to yours have a safe and happy holiday season. Thank you for reading.