Cynthia "Patsy" Burns was extraordinary. The oldest of eight children, she practically raised her siblings on her own. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a perfect sister, a caregiver her whole life. Always giving, always showing up for others. When she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, I knew that when it was her turn to need someone, I wasn't going to let her face it alone.

So I showed up. Every day. For three months.

I've always believed that love is not just the magical moments between two people. It's also the dirt and the grit and the hard things you have to do to show them that you love them. Watching someone you love battle stage 4 cancer is one of those hard things. And I would do it again without hesitation.

I took a leave from my job. I drained my savings. I took on debt I don't know how to climb out of. Our family has been largely absent through all of it, spread across the world and I've carried most of this, mentally, emotionally and financially all on my own.

Patsy passed away recently and the grief is enormous. But so is the financial weight that's been left behind. I'm now facing months of unpaid bills, debt I accumulated just to keep things stable, and no savings to fall back on as I try to get back on my feet.

I'm not someone who asks for help easily. But I'm asking now, not just for myself, but to honor the time I spent with Patsy, and to make sure her memory isn't overshadowed by financial stress.

Any amount helps. Even sharing this story helps. Thank you for reading, and for caring about someone who spent her whole life caring for others.