Our sweet Mary, affectionately known as Joy, who has dedicated her life to helping others, is now facing a battle of her own. She has been diagnosed with Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood and bone marrow cancer. We are raising funds to help her and her husband, David, with the mounting costs of her treatment, medications, and physical therapy.

Mary’s journey with this illness started unexpectedly. In early July, in a seemingly minor accident, her pug mix, Bowie, jumped on her chest that resulted in a fractured sternum. Just weeks later, she experienced overwhelming back pain and was rushed to the emergency room, where doctors discovered she had six fractured vertebrae. The cause of these breaks and diagnosis was a shock to us all: Stage 3 Multiple Myeloma. This cancer attacks the bones, making them weak and prone to breaking.

Mary has been in the hospital for three weeks, has started chemo, and had spinal surgery to stabilize her collapsed vertebrae. She has a long road ahead, but we are trying to remain positive. While this cancer is not curable at this time, modern treatments have made incredible leaps and can help her live for many more years.

Mary can still have a full life ahead of her, but she needs help now more than ever. She has always been the helper so it’s difficult for Mary to reach out like this. From a young age, Mary has always put others first. She started working at a no-kill cat shelter when she was 17. That took her on a journey of service towards others. Also, Mary has a deep love for animals, rescuing five pets of her own: two dogs, Jett and Bowie, and three cats, Miles, Ozzy, and Hudson. For years, she has worked for various non-profit organizations including one that helps underprivileged children and families with education and mental health support. She is an incredible daughter, sister, aunt, and, most of all, a true friend to all who know her.

How You Can Help

We are not usually ones to ask for help, but we are hoping for your support. Any donation, no matter how small, will make a huge difference. The funds raised will help cover her specialized treatments, medications not fully covered by insurance, as well as physical therapy to help her regain her strength and manage her pain.

We thank you for your generosity and for being a part of Mary’s journey to recovery. If you are unable to donate, please share this campaign with your network. Your thoughts, prayers, and support mean the world to us.