I never thought I would be writing something like this about my own mom.

As many of you know, my mom is currently battling end-stage ovarian cancer. Over the last several weeks, things have gotten progressively worse, and it has been one of the hardest things our family has ever gone through. She is now bedridden and unable to walk on her own. Seeing someone who has always been so strong slowly decline right in front of you is heartbreaking in ways I can’t even explain.

My dad is 61 years old and is doing everything he can to hold things together right now. He’s trying to continue working while also being there for my mom as much as possible, but the reality is he has already used most of his vacation time caring for her, taking her to appointments, hospital visits, and helping on the really hard days. Very soon, that time will run out.

He does qualify for FMLA, but it’s unpaid. Financially, they just can’t afford for him to stop working completely, even though that’s where he truly needs and wants to be right now.

Over the course of this battle, my dad has also had to pull a large amount of money out of his 401k just to help cover treatments, medical expenses, bills, and everyday necessities while trying to care for my mom. Watching your parents spend their savings while fighting to keep someone alive is an incredibly helpless feeling.

All of us kids are helping however we can. We’ve been trying to take turns being there, helping around the house, helping financially when possible, and giving my dad breaks whenever we can. But the emotional and financial weight of all of this is becoming overwhelming for our family.

Between medical expenses, bills, missed work, gas, food, and everyday living costs, things are getting harder and harder while our main focus is simply trying to keep my mom comfortable and surrounded by family and love.

Anyone who knows my parents knows they would never ask people for help themselves. That’s honestly the only reason I’m making this. I just want to help take some of the stress off of them during a time no family is ever truly prepared for.

If you are able to donate, no matter how small, our family would be incredibly grateful. More than anything though, I’m asking for prayers. Please pray for my mom, for her comfort, for strength for my dad, and for our entire family as we try to navigate through this devastating time.

Even if you can’t donate, sharing this or simply keeping us in your thoughts and prayers means more than you know.

Thank you all so much.