Help Audrey Fight Cancer

In March of 2022, our whole world turned upside down. My mom had been experiencing some pelvic pain, so she went to the doctor thinking it was arthritis or something of that nature. After some concerning levels they found in her bloodwork, they determined she had some kind of cancer. Upon further testing and weeks of waiting, they determined it was Stage 4 Metastatic Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. LUNG CANCER? My mom wasn’t even a smoker? How could this happen? It took us a while to process that THIS was the fight- one that came out of nowhere.

Initially, she was given 3-6 months to live. Since then she has gone through 3 rounds of radiation, and 4 rounds of different chemotherapy/immunotherapy treatments. My mom is the strongest woman I’ve ever known. Throughout all of her battle, she has still managed to be there for everyone when they need her. She is our everything- the center of our family, the glue that holds everything together, and the best mom and grandma we could ever ask for.

My mom is so strong that even when she could barely breathe a few weeks ago, she told me she didn’t need to go to the hospital, but I could see things were worse than they'd been before. When the paramedics arrived, her O2 saturation was in the 60s and they rushed her to the hospital. The past few weeks have been extremely hard on our family, we thought the end had finally come. Then, for once, we got some good news- it wasn’t the end, but a lung infection. She was treated for the lung infection in the hospital and is currently at a rehabilitation facility focusing on getting some of her mobility back and weaning off of oxygen so that she can go home and consider her options for continuing treatment.

Unfortunately with Stage 4 Metastatic Cancer, you aren’t fighting for a cure, you’re fighting for TIME. My dad has been home taking care of my mom, helping her get around, and trying to spend as much time with her as possible. With his best friend. My parents have been married 34 years, and have known each other since they were 19 years old. The grief that comes with cancer, and with mourning the loss of someone who is still with you is one that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.

Because of my dad being home to take care of my mom, he hasn’t been able to work. If you know anything about cancer treatments, you know that they’re very expensive- as is the cost of living today. My sister and I have tried to help them as much as we can, but it’s just not enough. They are behind on bills and need help to stay afloat. My parents have never asked us or anyone for help, but they need it now more than ever. I understand this is a big ask, but if you can donate anything it would really help our family and allow us to just focus on my mom’s fight.

Thank you for taking the time to read her story, and donating if you can. Any donation is greatly appreciated.

And as always, fuck cancer.