Hi, my name is Jaclyn Grieco. I am starting this GoFundMe for my mom, Michele Milano, who is not only my mom but also my best friend.

My mom, Michele, was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic transverse colon adenocarcinoma at the beginning of this year, in early February 2025. Being her daughter, seeing firsthand and watching her deal with the treatments and various weekly appointments, I have always known her to be the strongest person I've ever known. However, the mental, physical, and financial effects ever since being diagnosed have taken a significant toll on her. She has always, without a doubt, been my rock and will forever be, but this is when I need to be her rock and return the favor. I am doing this in hopes of helping her as she has only ever helped me become who I am today, along with my little sister, who is only thirteen, my older brother, and my new daughter, who just turned one this May 2025.

In late December 2024, my husband, daughter, and I, along with my mom and little sister, took a family trip to Colorado, where, early in the trip, we all caught the flu. Since that trip, my mom wasn't feeling herself, and the flu took a greater toll on her than on everyone else. As she didn't suspect anything but this flu, she went on without thinking it couldn't be as serious as it turned out to be. She fought through this stage as she helped me babysit my daughter. I am in medical school, and she adores and loves all of her kids, and my daughter with all her heart. It wasn't until she couldn't fight it anymore that she decided to go to the ER, where she had to get emergency surgery for the blockage in her colon, resulting in a colostomy. We were all distraught to find out the news that she had a mass in her transverse colon, and it had already spread to her lungs and liver.

The medical costs have caused her a tremendous amount of stress as she is unable to work; she is currently being treated at UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and iron infusions. Before she was able to begin treatment here, her journey started with a battle in finding and beginning treatment. They were unable to obtain a biopsy in the initial ER surgery, and due to the major surgery of reversing her colon for a colostomy, her body had to heal for a few weeks before they could try again. The second biopsy was scheduled, and it took another rough patch as it was unsuccessful, as the tissue obtained was not deep enough to diagnose the type of cancer. After healing again for another few weeks, the third time, they were able to get the tissue to diagnose it as adenocarcinoma successfully.

This journey's emotional and physical toll has been harsh on her as she is the most loving, supportive, and caring person who always wants to be with her kids.

Growing up, she took on the role of being my mom, best friend, and dad. In making this GoFundMe for her, I am praying she can receive words of prayer, love, and support for her treatments, as she has always given her all for everyone in her life. Any amount will go an extreme way in supporting her in this journey and means beyond words could express.