Anyone who knew our mom Cathie knows that she has never been one to sit idle and let life pass by, whether it was working, playing with her grandkids or empowering and advocating for her fellow workers as a shop steward she was always up to something.

For the last two months our world has slowly turned upside down as our mom cathie became increasingly sick with a terrifying series of symptoms that left her unable to work and eventually, unable to get out of bed. A few weeks ago the doctors told us their suspicion of what it could be and last week they confirmed our worst fears, that she had a fatal neurodegenerative condition called Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease. This condition results in an increasing series of symptoms that usually results in death within months of symptom onset. There is no cure or treatment for this and the recommendation upon diagnosis is hospice care which has begun.

Our mom has always been one to take care of people, both personally and professionally. This included everything to opening up our home to people in need to her career as a paraprofessional for students with disabilities and for the last 17 years as a Certified Nurse’s Aide, taking care of others was core to her being. Her work mattered and the care she provided to people at the end of their lives mattered, but care work is not valued as it should be. Despite the fact that she routinely worked two (and sometimes 3) jobs to support her kids and herself the only thing that will be left when she exits this earthly plane are our memories.

As we struggle with the impending loss of our mom we have had to confront the realization that we may not be able to give the woman who took care of everyone in their hour of need a proper funeral. All funds raised will be deeply, deeply appreciated and will help us with her final expenses including cremation, a memorial service and remaining medical bills.