Help Jessie & Jerry Fight Cancer and Keep Their Hope

This has been the hardest and most heartbreaking year of our lives.

Earlier this year, my dad, Jerry, was in a wreck that totaled his truck — the one he had worked so hard for and was so proud of. It wasn’t a terrible accident, but it was enough to take away something he truly depended on every day. Still, in true Jerry fashion, he didn’t complain. He took out a loan, bought another truck, and went right back to work — because that’s the kind of man he is.

My mom, Jessie, who is 63, lost her job earlier this year after years of managing her store at Mapco. Everyone loved her there — people would stop by just to see her smile, bring her food, or share a laugh. She made everyone feel welcome, like family. That’s just who she is.

In early October, she lost her father on October 1st, and was still grieving that loss when, later that same month, our world was turned upside down again. In late October, she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. We’re still waiting for more test results and treatment options, but that day changed everything. I’ll never forget the family meeting when my parents told us — how my dad held her hand at the table, both of them trying to stay strong for us even as the room went silent with shock and heartbreak.

My dad, who is 67, has worked faithfully as a supervisor at Renfro, a sock factory in Fort Payne, Alabama, for over 17 years. He’s loved by everyone he works with — they bring him food, Christmas cards, and small gifts every year because of his kindness and the respect he shows everyone. But this year, everything is coming to an end all at once.

Their 39th wedding anniversary is on December 20th, Christmas is the 25th, and then, just two days later on December 27th, the factory where my dad has worked nearly two decades will close its doors for good. When that happens, he’ll lose not only his job but also his health insurance and life insurance — right when my mom needs them the most. On top of that, he’s worried about falling behind on bills and losing the truck he just bought to replace the one that was totaled.

Jessie and Jerry have been together for 42 years and married for 39. They’ve built their life on love, faith, and hard work. They spend their days caring for their chickens and goats, sitting outside together, visiting with family, and fishing whenever they can. Between them, they have nine children, and a growing number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who absolutely adore them. They are the kind of people who would give their last dollar, a warm meal, or a place to stay to anyone who needed it — and they’ve spent their entire lives doing just that.

Now, they’re the ones who need help.

I’m asking for $500,000 to help them cover:

My mom’s upcoming cancer treatments, medications, and doctor visits

Daily living expenses (mortgage, utilities, groceries, and transportation)

The loss of both of their incomes, health insurance, and life insurance

Unexpected costs that come with treatment, grief, and keeping their home stable

They are scared, exhausted, and doing their best to stay strong for each other. My dad has been her rock through everything — her steady hand and constant support — and he’s doing everything he can to take care of her, even while facing his own heartbreak. Watching them go through all of this at once has been absolutely devastating.

Every single donation, share, and prayer means more than we could ever express. Even the smallest gift helps lift some of the weight off their shoulders and reminds them they’re not alone in this fight.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for helping my parents, Jessie and Jerry, through the hardest battle of their lives — and for giving them the gift of hope this Christmas season. ❤️