Dear Friends and Family,

 

I write this letter with overwhelming sorrow and desperation as I have come to the realization that my niece,Jovana Townsel is losing her battle with breast cancer. This disease has plagued our family for generations. (I lost my mother at thirteen years old, the very age of Jovana’s eldest child, Janaya.) I can speak to the loss Janaya will feel in her mother’s absence. Her brother Jayden will fare worse, as he is only ten. Jovana also feels this pain as she lost her mother (my sister) when she was just fourteen. I too fought this horrid disease over twenty years ago, and I now find myself fightingagain for my niece and her children.

​In her mother’s absence, I have cared for and nurturedJovana as a mother would, and I have loved and cared for her beautiful children. I will fill any role her children need, helping them find their way through this tragedy, and all challenges life brings their way. They are my heart, my soul, my family.

​I have started a GoFundMe page to help them through this time and to support them in the future. If you could find it in your heart to please help with a donation; anything you can give would be greatly appreciated.