***Update 11/12/25: Sorry for the long delay in updates; it's been a bit hectic the last handful of months with the many trips to Mayo and some hospital stays. At this point, Mom has just started a new chemo, and we're hoping the side effects aren't too bad, as the last treatment she tried ended with her being admitted to the hospital after each dose. As it stands now, her team of doctors wants her to do 10 consecutive days of targeted radiation, then 30 straight days of a wider range of radiation over the span of the next handful of months; she'll also be making trips to do chemo during that time. This coming March will be her 15th year volunteering at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and she's really trying to make it to HLSR for one last year. Money has been tight, and these consecutive days of radiation and chemo trips are going to make it even tighter. I'm honestly not sure it's financially feasible without assistance. Any help is so very much appreciated, and thank you to everyone who has donated so far. We appreciate it more than you know. - Ashley ***

***Update 07/15/2025: While Mom is almost done with the original treatment plan, we learned recently that her doctors aren't happy with her numbers and want to get more aggressive. She'll start doing chemo and radiation daily for 10-12 days; so, more hotel stays than we originally anticipated are in our future. More hotel stays = more money, so we're not sure how we're going to financially afford so many nights in a hotel at this point. Thank you again to everyone who has donated, shared, or just sent out prayers and positive thoughts. We appreciate it more than words can express.***

***Update: Thank you everyone for sharing and donating what you can, we appreciate it more than words can express. We’ve gotten through one round of chemo and we’re gearing up to head back to Rochester this coming week for Round 2. I’ll post updates when new info becomes available. Thank you again. ***

As an oldest daughter, I need you all to know asking for help is my worst nightmare; but when someone you love has cancer, all bets are off.

My mom, Lori, is, hands down, one of the toughest women I’ve ever known. She’s a mom, a Nana, a woodworker—she literally builds furniture with her bare hands—and someone who is always trying to show up for those around her. I’d be remiss if I didn’t brag on her almost 15 years volunteering for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; no matter what life has thrown her way, she has always made sure to show up and do her part for all of the kids who, like her, found the HLSR to be their saving grace.

A few weeks ago, we found out she has stage 4 small-cell lung cancer and it has metastasized to her brain. What’s worse is… the signs were there a year ago. The doctors thought it was just scarring from a previous cancer treatment. If they’d looked closer, we could’ve caught it sooner.

Obviously, she’s going to fight. She’s beaten cancer multiple times. Survived an aneurysm. Survived a stroke and relearned how to walk. Honestly, the list keeps going. We joke that she might be indestructible—but we’re not taking any chances.

The treatment she needs is aggressive and expensive. And living in a rural area means just getting her to Mayo in Rochester is a challenge that involves gas for a 6.5 hour (one-way) drive, 3 nights in a hotel, and expenses while there.

To be transparent, right now, I’m the only one working. Mom’s unable to work, and we’re both caring for my elderly grandmother. We’re doing everything we can, but honestly… we’re scrambling.

I know so many people are struggling right now. But I don’t know what else to do.

This woman stared down a literal tornado from her vehicle — we cannot let cancer be the thing that takes her out.

If you can donate–thank you. If not, sharing this means the world.

She’s survived everything life has thrown at her. Let’s help her beat this too.