It breaks my heart to share that my amazing mother passed away on October 23rd at 10:52 a.m.

She had been struggling for years with declining mobility, and no one could figure out why. On October 1st — my birthday — I called an ambulance at 5:13 a.m. after she cried out for help. That day began a heartbreaking journey that ended far too soon.

We later learned that she had cancer throughout her spine, kidneys, and bones. It was a form of blood cancer that progressed rapidly and completely disabled her. When doctors told me there were no treatment options that wouldn’t cause her more harm, I knew we were nearing the end. Just eight hours after entering hospice, she passed away.

When I received the call that she was gone, I ran to hospice with my partner. I’ll never forget walking into that room, tears streaming down my face, seeing her lying there so peacefully. I kissed her forehead, brushed her hair from her face, and told her again how deeply I loved her — though I know she already knew.

My mother was a proud New Yorker, Italian at heart, and a true friend to everyone she met. She was the best mother I could have ever asked for, and losing her has shattered my heart and soul. She lost her husband many years ago, and since then, I’ve been her caregiver — with the unwavering support of my partner of eight years, who loved her as his own. Now, facing this loss, I feel like an orphan, and I’m still trying to make sense of life without her.

I’ve been encouraged to create this GoFundMe, though it’s taken me some time to find the strength. My mother didn’t want a memorial service; most of her friends are far away. Her wish was to return home to New York to rest with my grandmother, and I plan to honor that.

Any donations would help us cover her cremation expenses — I’ve already had to take out a loan — and help fulfill her final wishes. Your support, love, and kindness mean more than words can express.

May my beautiful mother dance again in her fabulous platform shoes beneath the disco ball, surrounded by the music she loved. I miss her with all my heart, and my life will never be the same.

I'm officially an orphan and that kills me