In the quiet days of mid-October, my family’s world was rocked by a single word no one in a million years wants to hear. Cancer. My mother, Charla Spears-Flamond (Charly to everyone that knows her), a woman of immense strength and boundless love, was diagnosed with limited stage single cell lung cancer and began a journey no one had ever anticipated would happen.

It all began on Wednesday, October 4th when Charly sought medical help for swelling in her face, which she suspected was a sinus infection. We live in a very rural village in Northern Montana, so going to the nearby doctor is a bit of a trek. In this case, the doctor was located in Cut Bank, which is an hour drive away. The doctor's initial diagnosis mirrored her suspicion, with the addition of pneumonia, and prescribed antibiotics and prednisone. A CT scan was scheduled for the following Monday. However, the swelling persisted, intensifying in her chest and arms, robbing her of sleep and energy. A return to the doctor on October 7th led to inconclusive blood tests and CT scan, and a continuation of the prescribed medications.

The situation worsened dramatically on October 8th when the swelling reached a terrifying peak, making it quite difficult for her to breathe. At 5 a.m. an ambulance rushed her to the emergency room where she was diagnosed with cellulitis. She was then given diuretics and Benadryl intravenously. By 10 a.m. she was released from the hospital and the swelling had started to go down. But things were far from over.

On Friday, October 13th, she was driven to Great Falls, which is three hours away, where she was given a prognosis: limited stage small cell lung cancer, and a diagnosis confirmation on Monday the 16th left the family in shock and disbelief. The source of the swelling had been found, a cancerous nodule pressed against the main artery of her heart, the main culprit for the fluid retention and discomfort in her upper body.

Despite everything though, there is not a dent in my mom’s spirit, her courage remains undiminished. Always giving everything her absolute best, like a paladin going to war, she faces each day with a determination, an optimism, and a bravery that I will forever aspire to have. My mother has always been my hero, and in this moment she is also my paragon and a champion.

But alongside her bravery exists a pressing need, a burden that threatens to overshadow her fight for life. Medical bills, travel expenses, and the cost of essential treatments have placed an overwhelming strain on our family in a time where stress can be the difference between thriving and not. We’ve used up almost every resource, credit card, savings, dollar that we could spare to take care of things, and she still has months of chemo treatments left. This is only the beginning of the battle.

Anything helps in this moment, your donation isn't just a monetary gift; it's a lifeline, a symbol of hope. If her load can be lightened at least a little bit, allowing her to concentrate on healing and finding solace in the midst of this storm, that is all that I can ask. The road to recovery should be paved with hope, not overshadowed by financial strain.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts no matter what you contribute, even if it’s just a kind word or keeping us in your thoughts or prayers. It would be so incredibly helpful if you could send this to anyone you think would be willing to spread the word.

Funds will be going directly to her to pay for her medications, food and expenses from chemo/doctor visits.