Cancer treatment and expenses for Cathy

I’ve waited as long as I can to respect my mothers privacy and until she was ready and had told all of our family, but we have reached a critical point where waiting for that is no longer possible and she needs as much help as she is able to get as soon as possible. 

On December 3rd, my mother was diagnosed with Stage 4 bone cancer. The previous Monday, she believed that she had put her back out and wasn’t able to drive herself to work (which she still tried to do despite being in an unbelievable amount of pain). After numerous diagnostic appointments, we received the news. From Monday to Thursday. It happened that quickly. This morning her doctor gave us the news that she also has an incredibly rare form of aggressive lymphoma which requires immediate and equally aggressive treatment.

As soon as we found out that she had cancer, we applied for emergency Medicaid insurance. We have not gotten an answer, despite my frequent calls and inquiries. We have been paying for all of these appointments either out of pocket or through payment plans, which is quickly becoming unsustainable. Now that we know what we are up against we must start treatment today. We don’t know how we are going to do it, but my mother is the heart of this family and we are doing everything we can to make sure that she has the care she deserves until we receive an answer from Medicaid.

Around the same time, they also had a major gas leak in their home. The furnace and water heater have both been out due to the leak. I have applied for multiple low income programs to get them replaced as quickly as possible, as it’s winter and being without heat or hot water is just another thing they don’t need on their plates. It’s coming up on two weeks and we’ve been denied for one due to their pre-diagnosis income limits. I am in the process of applying for another.

If you’ve ever met my mother, Cathy, you will no doubt understand the impact that she’s had on not only her family and friends, but strangers. She’s made a home for those without one. She’s been a mother to those in need. She gives her love and heart and would give the shirt off her back to everyone she meets. She’s kind and funny and generous. She’s strong. Stronger than anyone I know. Strong enough to have probably worked through a good amount of this illness without letting on how much she was suffering because these are the times that we live in and she is responsible and reliable. My mother means so much to so many people and she would never, ever, ask for help. She would try to find a way, if she were able. She is the heart of this family. She is my heart and I am asking for help for her. Because I don’t know what I would do without her and my family is fighting like hell to keep her with us and get her everything that she needs.

She’s done so much for so many people and I am begging. Out of necessity, but also out of desperation. If you’re able, only if you are able because we are all going through one thing or another right now, please help us raise the funds to take help with their bills and care for my mama.