This is hard to write. It is hard to ask people for money, especially knowing that so many of us are experiencing hardship; financially, emotionally, physically, and the list goes on. But, we have been reminded by so many people that asking for help is not a burden on those whom we call family and friends; instead it is a chance for a community to come together as human beings during challenging times. We have had the opportunity to see and be a part of this community.

On January 15, 2020 our mother was hospitalized and our lives were turned upside down.   One day she was healthy, dancing, cooking, singing, cleaning, taking care of others, especially her own 96 year old Mom.  Then, a stroke, caused by a brain clot, caused by leukemia that was just diagnosed the same day, that paralyzed the entire left side of her body.  Just like that, our mom’s life, along with everyone’s lives had changed.  For the next two months my sister and I flew every week from San Francisco to Long Beach to help my mom find the will to fight for her life. My little sister rearranged her entire career to sit beside my mother’s bedside and hold her hand. Mom’s siblings and nieces and nephews filled in shifts of when they would come to the hospital to deliver food, laughter, love, and support!  Her friends and relatives filled the 6th floor waiting room EVERY DAY through long nights rooting and praying for her recovery. Her cancer is currently in remission, she is slowly recovering from her stroke, and is starting to gain feeling on her left side.  We were known as Bella’s Warriors and she became known as the “Ladybug”; blessed and lucky to have made it out alive. 

We celebrated this victory and transferred her to a nursing facility, expecting a full recovery and in hopes to return to her life.  Here at the facility, she would get the Physical and Occupational Therapy that she needed along with care for her other healthcare issues she was recovering from.  Suddenly, we were all hit with the pandemic…Covid-19, halting the progress that our ladybug was making.  My sister and I could no longer safely travel down south.  So much of the responsibilities fell on my little sister and my mom’s siblings. We saw a decline in my mom’s mental and physical health. We saw the news every night of the increased dangers of Covid-19 ravaging through the nursing homes.  We made a hard decision and pulled her out and brought her home.  We knew that having her home has saved our mom’s life, however, it is not financially easy for us.  Our Mom still has a long journey of recovery and rehab ahead of her and having her focus on just that is the most important thing.  The Medical Expenses for the caregivers, PT, OT, medical and healthcare supplies, the rental equipment of her hospital bed and wheelchair are the last thing we want our Mom to focus on.   She is progressing nicely, but we are humbly asking for the help of our community once again to keep her going.   Our Mom is an incredible, loving and selfless person.  If you know her you know that she always thinks of others before her own self.  She is eager to get back up on her feet and continue to be that person she was.  So any help financially, only if you can afford it, is greatly appreciated. Help spiritually by praying. Help physically by visiting my mom at the house (socially distancing in the patio, of course).  Life is unpredictable, but I have learned that good family and friends can help to stabilize uncertain times.  Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide.