Hello everyone! My name is Emily and as many of you know, my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer (glioblastoma) in the spring of last year. After undergoing brain surgery, radiation, and a year of chemotherapy, her latest MRI shows a recurrence in this highly aggressive cancer. This will come as her fourth diagnosis after surviving breast cancer in 2022 and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2023. She is working with MD Anderson, one of the best glioblastoma treatment centers in the country, to find a cure and beat the odds. Currently, she’s awaiting neurosurgery and a further plan of care.

To put it simply, my mother is a life force. She carries with her an inexplicable warmth and tenderness that softens even the hardest of hearts. She loves fiercely and unconditionally, and being her daughter is my greatest source of pride. Those that have the pleasure of knowing her will tell you that she is a devoted mother, sister, aunt, and friend. In a world full of indifference, she makes sure to keep birdseed and cat food in her car “just in case.” A designated cup lives on top of our fridge to give spiders a safe passageway out of our house, because no life is unimportant. She is truly the most endearing enigma you’ll ever meet and absolutely beloved and cherished by her friends and family.

Unsurprisingly, my mother has dedicated her life to the service of others, spending over 20 years as a dedicated nurse and the last decade as a nurse practitioner. While surviving an abusive marriage, she was a single mother to her two daughters, providing the sole source of love, compassion and income. She has touched the hearts and souls of countless people throughout her life, building a community of love and support in the process. She poured from her own cup, working throughout her numerous treatments and procedures to aid our most vulnerable population and pay the bills. But now, after years of caring for others, it is imperative that she focuses on her own health and recovery.

Anyone who has been touched by cancer knows all too well the emotional, physical, and financial toll that goes hand in hand with a diagnosis. I created this GoFundMe in the hopes of providing her financial security so she can take medical leave from her job. Too much of this process is outside of our control, but if we can assist with the financial burden of medical bills and travel expenses, she can direct her full attention to fighting this cancer. She’s a survivor with a lot of life left to live, and I believe with enough medical intervention and advancement she will be able to ring the bell a fourth and final time. If anyone has the means to help, or knows someone that can, please share her story. Any contribution is meaningful!

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who read my mother’s story and helped support her journey. We’re forever grateful.

Love, Emily