A Miracle for Mercedes

I am reaching out to my family and friends in hopes of alleviating some of the financial burdens that my dear friend and coworker Mercedes Webster is currently facing. She has entrusted me to announce to everyone that she has been fighting Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer for over a year.

I met Mercedes at work many years ago, and have been blessed to not only work with her, but now call her one of my dearest friends. When I think of or talk about Mercedes the first thing that comes to mind is her unwavering faith in God and his will for her life. I also think of her incredibly sincere motto; “My Family, My Joy.” Aside from being an amazing Mother, Auntie, Grandma, Sister, and Friend, she is one of the strongest, kindest, funniest, most intelligent, hardworking, and selfless people I know. She has always shared with me how her mother instilled in her to always help those in need. Throughout the years I have witnessed her kindness and generosity whether it be cooking meals for families going through a difficult time, or always being available to talk to and lean on for support.

Mercedes is currently undergoing Chemotherapy in an effort to soon qualify for a life saving surgery. She has continued to work this past year, which alone is unbelievable, but she was also able to take a much needed birthday trip to Las Vegas. The trip was to relax and try to forget about her ongoing battle. She was in pain a lot of the time, but she was a trooper! One day on our trip she looked at the group and said, “You guys…I just forgot I have cancer for a minute!” We then knew we had accomplished what the trip was meant to do.

Mercedes is currently both out of ill and vacation time. Some of her coworkers have started to generously donate their own vacation time to her. The goal we have set is to help with insurance deductibles, out-of-network costs, living expenses, and we are realistic about the possibility of her needing COBRA Insurance if she becomes unable to work. I am asking everyone to help me show Mercedes the love and support that she truly needs by giving whatever you are able to during this time. Thank you in advance and at the request of Mercedes all unused funds will be donated to Rock County Cancer Coalition.