Loving Mother, Ana Cruz

My family has recently received some life changing news a little over 1 month ago. Our Mother, Ana Cruz,  was diagnosed w/ Stage 4 Gastric Cancer deemed incurable. After an ER visit, biopsies, and many doctors appointments it was confirmed that Our Mom has a limited time left w/ her loved ones. A little about My beautiful Mom, Ana Maria Cruz. She has always been a fighter as an immigrant and single Mother of 5 children. Her 48th birthday just passed on April 27th. She has continuously put her life and body on the line being the sole provider for our family. When my siblings and I were children until we were teens my Mom would work 3 jobs just to provide the necessities of food and a roof over our heads. I once thought I'd have the honor to allow my Mother to retire early. Now I have the honor to care for her until her last days. Even now she is still fighting and sacrificing her body for every extra minute to spend alongside her children and grandchildren. To say this has been hard is an understatement. We are still dealing w/ the emotions, the reality, and the future. Not only will we be losing our Mother we will also be losing our Father and the Roots to our family tree. My Mother has been receiving treatment at the INOVA in Loudoun. They have been an amazing team and She just finished her 2nd round of chemotherapy. It feels like a win but the reality is that it's giving us more time before the inevitable. While sorting through pictures it was hard seeing My Mom as she used to be. Her condition has taken its toll and My Dear Mother is receiving continuous care until we see an improvement from chemotherapy or a decline in her health. At that time all we will be able to do is keep her comfortable and surrounded by loved ones.  I feel the need to be transparent b/c we need help. My Mom hasn't had opportunities like her children to have a job that provided health insurance or life insurance. Receiving this news has been devastating w/ something we never thought was a possibility. Especially w/ the state of the world it has left us scrambling and planning for a future w/o Our Mother. We humbly ask for help to ease the financial burden. Although we have overcome a lot as a family the sudden need for treatment, end of life care, and a funeral is a more than we can financially bare. Donating will not only provide peace during this time but it will allow us to spend her last days at her side, provide help w/ hospice care, and help plan for her funeral. If you can't donate I ask that you share. If you are religious I ask that you pray for peace and understanding for My family.  My family thanks you and hopes for safety during these times.