For The Best Mom- A Warrior and Superwoman

Dear Family and Friends,

My mom is one of the kindest people... Always showing up for others, cheering them on, providing encouragement, offering a listening ear or helping hand. I know this firsthand, as she has always put me before herself my entire life. Also, if you know her- You know she gives the most thoughtful gifts from the heart. It is with a humble heart that I am reaching out for support and trying to give a gift back to her.

In August of this year she felt a lump on her neck in the area of her thyroid. Concerned, she turned to her primary care doctor. B Batty, as we like to call him, ordered lab work and a thyroid ultrasound to be done. The ultrasound was performed on September 8. These results came back with something no one wants to hear: They discovered multiple nodules with two nodules being suspicious for malignancy. To determine if these two modules were benign or malignant, they needed to perform a fine needle aspiration (Which I might add is very uncomfortable and painful). On October 12 she went in for the biopsy where they had to take eight samples, four from each nodule. The initial results came in toward the end of October. Good news- One nodule was benign. Unfortunately, the other nodule was indeterminate. Therefore, they had to do further molecular testing.

On November 9 my mom got the call she was anxiously awaiting for weeks. The second nodule is malignant. She was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, a type of thyroid cancer. A six letter word that changes your life.

The first step of treatment is a complete thyroidectomy. She has her consultation with the surgeon on November 27, so the surgery date is to be determined. They will additionally perform a cervical lymph node dissection. This is where they will take lymph nodes to test and see if the cancer has spread. If it has not spread, she will receive radioactive iodine therapy. Regardless she will have to be on thyroid medication for the rest of her life as well. For those who don't know- Our thyroid regulates A LOT, so living without one has its own complications.

The recovery time from the surgery alone is approximately five weeks. My mom will not be able to work during this time. As we know insurance does not cover everything, so medical expenses will add up. This has taken enough of a toll on her mentally and physically already. The last thing I want my mom to worry about is finances. My family and I want her to focus on recovery and healing.

This is where I humbly come to you, family and friends. 100% of donations will go toward medical and basic expenses for her during this time. I thank you from the bottom of my heart if you can contribute. No amount is too small. Prayers and positive thoughts are greatly appreciated if you cannot contribute. Additionally, she LOVES cards. I know that receiving any would brighten her day. You can message me for the address if you wish to send her one.

It's a long road ahead, but it's better when you have people that walk alongside. Thank you for taking the time to read this and be a part of her journey.

With love,

Alex