In November 2021, my mom (Connie Gutierrez) went in for a routine gallbladder surgery. Five days later we learned she had a large cancerous tumor. Since then, she's seen many doctors and done all sorts of tests. Her diagnosis is Stage 4 Metastatic Gallbladder Cancer, a very rare, aggressive and fast-growing cancer. While her gallbladder was removed, the cancer has spread to her liver and pancreas. Her prognosis isn't a good one and her only option is chemotherapy, an option, that with good results might give her two years. The treatment, like the cancer will be aggressive and likely debilitating. It will also be necessary to be on chemo for the rest of her life. As difficult as it was, she made the decision to decline treatment. Instead of spending the rest of her days being sick, she wants to enjoy the time she has left making happy memories. Unfortunately, her prognosis without chemo is only 3-4 months, but we're hopeful that with prayer and positivity she'll have more time. This news has been shocking and unbelievable for all who hear it. Our entire family is devastated. I can't even imagine my life without my mom. 

Our goal here, is to raise money so she can "live her best life". As a family we've had so many plans, places to see and trips to take. My mom is strong, independent and stubborn and she won't leave us without a fight. She's never been one to rely on others, but now she really needs help.

Seeing her sick the past 8 years has been very hard on all of us. We've watched her health deteriorate to the point where she could no longer hold down a job. She has been trying to utilize her disability benefits, but that process is always a challenge.  She's been living off of her savings for a while now, but that will soon be gone. Besides "living her best life", these funds will also help with paying bills. 

My mom loves road trips and National Parks. She loves being out in nature enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. It's no wonder why she was born on the very same day and year as "Earth Day". Landscape photography is one of her hobbies, and so is gardening, she loves her flowers.  Hobbies have given her peace while she's been unable to work.  For years she's battled what was originally diagnosed as Fibromyalgia, when all along what she battled was cancer.  Her dream vacation and main bucket list item has ALWAYS been to take a trip to Memphis, Tennessee to see Graceland, because she loves Elvis! And while there, visit the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Another bucket list item has been to visit New Mexico to see the Hot Air Balloon Festival. Her dream for retirement was to buy an RV so she can travel to every National Park in the US, making Arizona and California her home bases.

We are also planning a trip to Arizona. Because I planned to get married in 2020, the year of COVID, I've had to move my wedding date many times. The last move was from September to March 2022 because I can't do it without my mom by my side. Our entire family will travel to Arizona from Northern California on short notice.

 

My mom has always sacrificed so much for every one of us. She helped me raise my twins and has made sure her children and grandchildren have been taken care of. For her, family has always come first, even over her own wants and dreams. She is the glue of our family, keeping us all together, through thick and thin. She's the voice of reason and that person who always makes time to listen.  Please help our family make her dreams come true.  

You can also donate via her Zelle:  sookigirl70 at gmail.com or Venmo: @conniegee70.