My name is Jay, and this is the hardest thing I have ever had to write. My mom - a proud U.S. Marine veteran - has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and she needs your help!

Recently, my mom Anna was diagnosed with Stage 1 Infiltrative Ductal Carcinoma. Her journey begins with a double mastectomy on 4/29, followed by chemotherapy and a reconstructive surgery this fall. There will be surgical drains, tissue expanders, dressing changes, chemo appointments, and more. After her mastectomy, if the cancer has been found to have spread, radiation will be added to the menu. This is going to be a harrowing process that will take a massive toll on her health for several months, if not longer.

Here is where we need help: Mom will not be able to work at all during this time period due to how aggressively the doctors are treating her cancer. Her medical costs are covered - her loss of income is not. My mom is a disabled vet (USMC 2000-2010) so cancer is already taking its toll on her health. This is all happening while she navigates a divorce, which has, in turn, made the emotional and financial situation exponentially harder.

I am a full-time college student and my mom's main caregiver, looking after her, our home, and trying to maintain a good GPA. To our family, my education represents the culmination of the American dream my mom and grandma pursued when they immigrated to the US from Latvia. Because of my caregiving and school schedule, I am unable to work a job to fill the gap.

Throughout her life, Mom has given everything to others. She has opened her heart and our home to fellow veterans, she rescues animals, and has been a staunch, long-standing ally of those in need of a voice, or an ear to listen. Even now, she is documenting her journey so others do not feel alone. My mom is the person who makes solutions happen for everyone else; now, she is the one who needs a helping hand.

What your donation will help with: Any donations will go directly toward our mortgage, groceries, and basic needs/bills so my mom can focus entirely on her recovery and kicking cancer’s butt! We are thankful for any help we receive, and if you can't donate that's ok! Please help by sharing this post with your own friends and family and ask them to share as well. Let's show cancer that it can't keep a Marine down Thank you so much for your love and support ♥️

-With love,

Jay