Gay Mather Funeral Expenses
Donation protected
2020 has been a year that all of us will never forget. It has been a year of struggling for many families all over the world. Unfortunately for our family 2020 went out with more than a bang. On December 21, 2020 my mother was diagnosed with liver cancer. She had already survived Breast and Lymph node cancer less than a year ago and was in Remission. We were in shock, but that was only the beginning of our journey. On December 30th I arrived to pick my mother up for an appointment with the Oncologist and she was just not right. She was in severe pain, not able to even get out of her pajama's, she was completely exhausted and was very confused. I immediately took her to the Emergency room. Unfortunately with Covid protocols I was not able to accompany her during the visit. This was the last time I saw my mother even mildly coherent. The following day I received a phone call from the physician taking care of my mother stating she had been admitted to the ICU and she was "a very sick lady", they were not sure exactly what was making her so ill, other than the cancer. I still was unable to go see her, all I could do was patiently wait for news by the phone. Nothing could have prepared me for the next phone call I received. Just a few short hours after the first call I was informed that the team had seriously discussed my mothers case and they suggested I sign a DNR, that the damage done to her liver was so bad that it was shutting down and it was only a matter of time before her heart did the same. She was made comfortable for the next 2 days. On January 2, 2020 my mother took her very last breath surrounded by strangers, no family. Just 9 days after being diagnosed. None of us were ready. She just celebrated 7 years of sobriety on 12/28 and was currently studying at CCRI to become a Addiction Counselor. She made it her mission to help anyone she could to not make the same mistakes she had teaching them how faith and sobriety could better their life. She was engaged to be married this coming March and was just starting her life when this tragedy struck. She was a huge part of AA program in Rhode Island as well as a faithful member of her church.
Unfortunately she had no life insurance so all of the expenses are falling onto my lap. I was not prepared for this at all. I'm still in shock, my mom had me at 18, she was my best friend, my mentor, my go to when in need. I am heartbroken and now having to take on the burden of planning and financing her services in a time that I'm supposed to be mourning. This year has taken a huge financial toll on us all. I completely understand that but, I don't know what else to do at this point. What I do know is that my mother deserves so much more than this. Please help me provide that for her.
Unfortunately she had no life insurance so all of the expenses are falling onto my lap. I was not prepared for this at all. I'm still in shock, my mom had me at 18, she was my best friend, my mentor, my go to when in need. I am heartbroken and now having to take on the burden of planning and financing her services in a time that I'm supposed to be mourning. This year has taken a huge financial toll on us all. I completely understand that but, I don't know what else to do at this point. What I do know is that my mother deserves so much more than this. Please help me provide that for her.
Fundraising team (3)
Heather Edem
Organizer
West Warwick, RI
Elanie Simas
Team member
Nick Mather
Team member