Hi, my name is Tania, and I’m 36 years old. I have a daughter who is currently working towards her bachelor's degree.

I want to take a moment to share with you this incredible woman in the picture—my mom, Marcela. She’s 56 years old and was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer about two years ago.

What still doesn't make sense and is still hard to understand is how that's possible. When she's never been a smoker; yet it's in her lungs. The cancer has spread aggressively throughout her body and is now in her brain and her bones.

Me and my family wanted you to see this incredible woman for who she is. My mom has always done everything she possibly can for her family. She'd always work come back home, make dinner and still made time for me and my sister. She even had two jobs at one point. My parents have always tried to make ends meet, also making sure the family never lacked anything.

For me it's difficult to see the woman I've looked up to my whole life, has to go thru this. She's always been so strong with anything that comes her way. Theirs no doubt in my mind she's fighting this with every thing she has in her but we're scared. Theirs days were she's just so tired, it's hard to keep anything down, let alone drink water sometimes. It's hard to see this sickness take things from her. She's not bed bound but she's not able to freely walk anymore.

She's always taught me to be strong and to keep going, no matter what.

It's difficult to see her everyday without breaking down crying. And every night after Ive fed her or bathed her, I lean in to kiss her cheek good night as she whispers in my ear.

"I'm sorry I'm sick mija"

I'm scared and we need help..

Even though insurance helps, there are still so many expenses that come out of pocket. My dad and I are her main caretakers, and I’m currently looking for a second job to try to help with the financial strain. Sometimes I don't make a full week of work because we have chemo appointment, and I stay with her all day. I don't want her to feel alone. I refuse to let her feel like she's a burden to me or her family.

But the truth is, we can’t do this on our own.

If you’re able to give—even just $1 or $2—it would make a real difference for us. Every little bit helps us focus on what truly matters: keeping my mom comfortable, supported, and surrounded by her family.

We've never asked for help before. But I don’t want my mom to carry any more stress or worry about other things.

And the little energy that she does have I want her to put that towards getting better.

And if you can’t donate, that's okay. Just now that keeping my mom in your thoughts and prayers means just as much.

From my family to you, thank you.