My mom has always been a strong and independent woman. She's always been there for us, and literally anyone in need! Ever since her battle with cancer begun, we've always tried returning the favor, and being there for her in her time of need now. For a while there the prognosis was really good, and we lived daily with positivity and hope at the cornerstone of our thinking, especially after her operation to remove a tumor was very successful! Then, a year later, scans revealed some spread, and we knew right then that this wasn't going to be as easy as we had hoped. For 3 years we began this journey, and for 3 years we tried our very best to help my mom with appointments, hospital visits, hydration, and more. It wasn't until quite recently that serious physical signs were starting to show.

My mom Vickie was always so self-sufficient and strong, up until only a couple of months ago, could take herself to hydration and doctor appointments, go grocery shopping, and anything else she needed to do. But once the spread took over, she spent only a couple of weeks using a walker and wheelchair, until finally, she relied on family and assistance for help. Progression of this terrible cancer disease came on really fast, and she quickly went from completely ambulatory and self-sufficient to bed ridden inside only one month, affecting her mobility, cognition, and speech. It was so difficult watching my mom, who's always been so independent and outspoken, succumb so very quickly to her illness. It almost felt like there were no really obvious symptoms, not even hair loss, until one day it was just there and out of our control! It got so bad so fast that she only had partial use of her arms and legs. All of a sudden she could no longer effectively speak her needs, and we scrambled to get her the help she needed. First, palliative care, and then no sooner that we got set up with those good people, we had to get her into hospice care. There's just something surreal about seeing such a strong, kind, generous, outspoken, and self-sufficient woman come to rely on others so completely and so rapidly, as it truly wasn't her way.

Because of her headstrong and self-sufficient nature, it's made it all the harder to crack the code on her finances and personal wishes now that she's gone, because things progressed too quickly. The family scrambled to adjust to meet her many varied needs. My mom was a lifelong banker, and loved to go out with her friends, and she loved music and dancing, and while stubborn as the day is long, she was always kind, selfless, and the most compassionate person I've ever known, helping everyone from her brother and sister to us kids. She was always quick to assist, whether it was financially or emotionally, she never turned down anyone in a pinch.

Because her hospice care and passing happened so suddenly, she didn't even have time to write a will, or tell me where and how I might find and settle her banking and finances. As a consequence, this has left Rebecca and I in the lurch, uncertain of where to come up with the money for her cremation and end of life needs. Not only are we emotionally wrought with grief and sadness, we're uncertain of what the future holds. Not only did we lose 1/3 of our finances as a roommate, but we lost a dear mother and a friend. We're struggling to figure out how to pay all of the final expenses right now, as well as come up with the missing portion of space rent for our shared mobile home and utilities. Right now, my head is just swirling from grief and overwhelm, as my mind plays out the past 3 years of constant craziness of helping my dear mom try to beat cancer, but also replaying the final moment of her passing.

She was always such a wonderful person, always quick to lend a hand. I just wish things hadn't gone downhill so fast, so that we could have planned things out properly. She always said she wanted to work on all this before she passed away, but could never muster the energy. Even when prompted by me multiple times, I just couldn't get her to focus, because that's just how much cancer took away her energy. So, I'm humbly asking for help, so that we can give my mom a proper cremation and urn, as well as sort out any miscellaneous end of life needs, and so that my wife Rebecca and I can sort out how to take over as the new homeowners of this mobile home, and pay property taxes, space rent, electric, and other utilities.

We've worked so hard lately, not only at our jobs, but also as full time caregivers for my dear mom. All we're asking for is a modest nest egg so that we can manage all these things and get things all sorted out, and then eventually make home repairs and light decorative restorations. I know many of you, and I write almost every single day on Facebook to make sure my mom's friends know what's going on, so that they would become my friends, so that we never lose touch with all of those who are important to my mom. Because her friends and interests are my interests and friends too! Any little bit helps, and I promise you all that all monies donated will be used prudently, cautiously, and minimally. We're not looking to make any lavish changes, only that we can adapt, grow, and make it, since this terrible cancer disease progressed so fast that we were blindsided when mom transitioned from palliative care to hospice care, and then her unfortunate death.

We love my mom and we've grown to love all of you so much, and we sincerely and humbly thank you for your help. Your friendship and kindness is so very important to us! We are optimistic and hopeful that with just a small lift up that we'll recover from all this, and stitch our lives back together, after a long chaotic, expensive, physically demanding, and emotionally draining set of circumstances. Mom was the best of the best, and as her son, I've always tried to live my life with the same honor, decency, and integrity, and honoring all people, but especially close friends and family. With your help, we'll bounce back and get back to something resembling a good life again. Thanks everyone for your friendship and compassion over the years! I miss her so much, but I honor her life and legacy, and the fond memories of her, and her sacrifices as a mom, a friend, and just an all-around great person. Thanks you guys! We love you all!

Sincerely,

Bry and Rebecca Russell