Hello. My name is Mary and I’m writing this on behalf of Della Shepherd, who has been one of my closest friends for over a decade.

Many of you reading this probably know someone who has or had cancer. I never thought it would affect my life, or any of my friends’ lives, so directly.

In the spring, Della—who is only 38, lives alone with her cat, and has few living relatives she can rely on—was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer. Not only is she physically in pain, with radiation and chemotherapy taking its toll on her body and spirit, but this situation has resulted in additional stress due to lack of finances and medical bills piling up.

Della has not been at work since the diagnosis because her job requires movement and some heavy lifting at times. She has applied for disability and some other resources, but bureaucratic red tape and general incompetence by others have gotten in the way. Additionally, Della’s vehicle was totaled in an accident one day when she was coming home from an appointment for radiation.

My husband and I have been making meals and bringing them to her, and I know her other friends have pitched in for groceries and transportation, but her situation calls for more financial assistance than any of us are currently in the position to provide. Medical care, medications, food, rent, utilities, cat food—these are all necessities, and a lot of expenses for someone who doesn’t know if they will continue to have income.

Della is an amazing person. She has been a wonderful, supportive friend who was there for me at my lowest times and celebrated with me in the good times. I don’t know anyone else with such a unique sense of humor, and she can make me laugh like no one else can. She is a talented artist who can sew, paint, draw and craft like no-one I’ve ever met. Della is such a great singer that I remember not wanting to follow her at karaoke!

The world needs that kind of spark, that kind of compassion, that kind of talent.

Think about if this was your friend or someone in your family. Think about watching them suffer—emotionally, physically, financially—and knowing there is only so much you can do. Please, consider giving what you can to help, and please share this GoFundMe to spread the word.