A few months ago, my mother Julie Palazzi noticed a lump on her hip which she found out to be a malignant tumor and was then diagnosed with Sarcoma Cancer. Fortunately enough, she noticed it in the early stages where they thought they could cure it with one surgery. Much to our disappointment this was not the case. She has undergone two surgeries already, unfortunately the tests still came back as positive for cancer in the surrounding tissue. It seemed to be that we had more questions than answers at this point. Not until she was referred to Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, did we feel hope. In these past five weeks, starting in Agawam, she has not only worked full days but she has driven to and from Boston for treatment. Monday to Friday, my Mom was being treated with radiation with the goal to shrink the size of the Sarcoma. About half way through the treatment the doctors gave her the third new surgery date…. New Years Eve. Only, this one will not be as minor as the first two. Radiated skin doesn’t heal as quickly and efficiently. She will be bed ridden for 5 days after surgery in the hospital and cannot return to work for 4-6 weeks.

My Mom being the proud hard working woman she is, isn’t one to ask for handouts. With her making selfless gestures at every opportunity, its my turn to be considerate. I am helping out as much as I can, but everyone in this world needs a helping hand. With the existing costly bills and more to come, I want to take some of the weight off of her shoulders. Getting her back to 100% is the ultimate goal, but also to not have her pay medical bills for the rest of her life. Please if you are able to help, it would mean the world to not only me, but my family and mostly my Mom.