Hi, my name is  JT and I just found out that my Mom, Donna, has cancer.

For the last 6 months my mom has suffered from extreme lower back pain.  She recently visited the doctor and found that she has 3 herniated disks & 2 spinal fractures.  While this alone breaks my heart for her, last Saturday (May 14, 2016) mom shared the news that she has breast cancer which has metastasized to her lower back.  The pain in her body is increasing rapidly.  It's hard for her to even get up at this point because of the herniated disks, but somehow, she still manages to fight through the pain and carry on with her usual schedule.  

I'm an only child with a single parent.  My mom has done everything she can to give me an amazing life.   She's an incredible woman who uprooted her life 8 years ago to move to Los Angeles to help support my career.  It's been a struggle literally since the day I was born.  She lost both of her parents when I was less than a year old and yet she soldiered on and has never let that impact her relationship with me.  She's the most caring and selfless person I know.  She's given 38 years of her life to her nursing career.  Helping others is what she does & what she lives for.  More specifically, she's dedicated her life to helping other mothers & children working primarily in L&D, pediatrics, NICU, & PICU.  After 35 years of nursing, she went back to school to get her Masters in Nursing Education with the goal of teaching others to nurse as well.  I'm proud to say that she just graduated last February.  The life of a single parent is never easy, but I have never wanted for anything because my mom has worked harder than anyone to provide for me & has always loved me unconditionally, NO MATTER WHAT.  


My mom is so humble and would never ask for help.  After all of these years of taking care of me, it's time for me to take care of her.  That said, she has supported me and my career for a very long time.  The life of a young actor isn't always as lucrative as one would hope & I have very little to contribute to her treatment.  I'm asking all of you to open your hearts and help me raise some money to help my mom kick cancer's ass!   


So, how can you help?

First, mom has not always made the healthiest diet choices & has not been as active as she should have been.  As you all know, a healthy body can beat cancer faster than an unhealthy body.  While I've always been healthy, I still don't know much about eating for cancer.  I would love to get her in contact with a nutritionist who specializes in diets for patients with illnesses.  This is a non-monetary request.  If anyone can refer or volunteer their services, that would be so helpful!  I've aleady started by throwing out all processed foods in the house & completely overhauling our grocery list.  I'm by no means a chef & don't usually cook, but have recently started cooking for my mom to make sure she's eating right.  Ultimately, I'd love to subscribe her a plant-based meal delivery service to ensure she's getting the right food into her diet in case I'm not able to cook for her.

Second, my mom is in desperate need of physical therapy.  Given that it is very hard for her to move around, I'm looking to purchase some workout equipment that she can use at home & looking to find her a good physical therapist.  Again, if anyone knows of a great physical therapist who can help with back pain, a referral would be extremely appreciated.


Lastly, and the most important, the medical bills are already piling up.  She's already started radiation & an anti-estrogen drug to help with the breast cancer.  We have another meeting with the Oncologist on Monday and will find out more about her condition & options then.

Before I close this out, I just want to explain one more time how much this woman means to me.  She is my everything.  She's been my roommate since the day I was born.  We've done everything together.  I mean everything.  She's my best friend & can't imagine what life would look like without her.  Life without her in it is just not an option.  Once again, I ask for you to help in any way possible.  We need knowledge, contacts, support, positive energy, prayers, & your encouragement.  Please help us fight this & win!

If you can't donate anything monetary, please help by sharing our story.  Thank you in advance for everything.