I remember sitting with my mom celebrating her recent birthday in July. We talked about life's little joys and the upcoming birth of another grandbaby—my niece due this August. But as I glanced around that room filled with love yet tinged by sadness, I realized we were also talking about time running short.

My mom is facing a surgery she didn’t want to have but needs it desperately to reduce her pain and give us all the gift of more good days together. She has had cancer 3 times and this time it is terminal. The chemotherapy and radiation caused massive scar tissue as well as other issues. She's strong, resilient—a warrior in every sense of the word. But knowing what’s at stake for my mom fills me with both hope and fear.

I stand before you today not just as a storyteller but as one of seven siblings who have always leaned on each other through thick and thin. Our mom is our foundation, the rock that's held us up since we were kids. She’s woven the fabric of love in our family, stitching together memories like precious heirlooms.

This surgery isn’t just about her health; it’s about quality time with the woman who gave us life and has loved us through every step—even when those steps have been painful ones, including the death of our brother in 2014.

We've seen firsthand how pain can squeeze out even the brightest moments, so we're here to ask for your help in giving my mom more of what she cherishes most: good days filled with comfort instead of discomfort. Your support could mean fewer nights spent worrying about her, and more times laughing together—whether it’s savoring a grandbaby's laugh or sharing stories around the dinner table.

Every dollar you donate is not just money for medical costs but an investment in moments that can turn into memories we will treasure forever.

Please, join us in making every moment count with my mom and our family. Together, let’s make her remaining days on this earth beautiful ones—filled with love, comfort, and joy.

"Every little bit helps when it comes from the heart." - Mom's favorite saying

Thank you for reading about our journey as we stand united in hope against time itself. Please share our story if you can; every share is a thread of support in this tapestry of love that holds us all together.