About a year ago, my mother was diagnosed with brain cancer. It’s been an uphill battle for her, as well as her family and friends. My life has been forever changed from the events that occurred last year, and I know hers is, too.

However, through all of the pain, she has persisted. Her strength is radiant and touches everyone in her life. She has motivated me to keep pushing through college, even though I am far from home, because I want to be just as strong as her.

One of the hardest parts of this situation has been the distance. I go to college in North Carolina, about 7 hours away from my hometown. While my mother and our family have faced twists and turns in her healing journey, I have watched from afar, fearing every day, and wishing that I could be there for her.

I have a car at home, but I am unable to bring it with me to college due to some issues that I am unable to fix due to low finances. Now, my younger brother has graduated into a family that is unable to support him financially and has no vehicle to transport him to a job. As an older sister, I feel obligated to help him. I have learned that supporting loved ones is so important in trying times, and I want to make sure he is set for adulthood.

This leaves me in an awkward position. I want to give my brother the car, but at the same time, I need a vehicle so that I can visit my mother in Georgia whenever I may need to, whether that be for comfort or medical reasons. I will always be there for her.

Anything helps! I just need a reliable, safe vehicle to get me from Georgia to North Carolina, and around my college town as well. This would be a huge burden taken off the backs of my family as well as my own. With a vehicle, I am able to do so many things that I was unable to do before.