I'm not one to ask for help when it comes to financial things, but this is different. My mother, Patrice, is currently in hospice care and we are preparing her final arrangements.

We found out my mother had Stage 4 lung cancer when she broke her femur. The cancer had spread from the lungs to the femur, spine, brain, and behind her eye. She was given 8-15 months. Mom was moved into hospice care about 2 weeks ago and has been steadily declining these last few days.

While she was still able to speak with lucid thoughts, she expressed what she wanted for when she passed.

I never imagined how expensive it was going to be to carry out her last wishes—to have a wake, a funeral mass in her church, and to be cremated. I've made the arrangements with the funeral home for when the time comes.

My mother is the strongest woman I know. From a heart transplant to being on the list for a kidney transplant to cancer—all within a year's time. Talk about a fighter! She deserves the world and more, and I want to honor those wishes.

With my dad being disabled, he can only do so much. I can cover some of the costs, but I don't have the funds to cover it all.

I know times are tough, so any help that anyone can spare would be appreciated so much.

The family and I would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts.