Hi, my name is kaycee thorne, and I’m starting this fundraiser for my mom.

My mom has spent her entire adult life taking care of other people. She’s been a nurse for over 13 years, working long shifts, comforting families, and showing up for her patients even when she didn’t feel well herself. To me, she’s always been strong, dependable, and the person everyone else leans on.

Now, she’s the one who needs help.

Over the years, my mom has faced more than most people do in a lifetime—and she’s fought every battle with incredible strength. She beat pancreatic cancer. She survived and recovered from a stroke. Even through all of that, she kept working, kept caring for others, and kept being the mom I rely on every single day.

Today, she’s facing end-stage kidney disease and is being evaluated for a kidney and pancreas transplant at UPMC. This transplant has the potential to completely change—and save—her life.

Traveling to UPMC for testing, appointments, and eventually transplant surgery comes with many expenses that insurance doesn’t cover. This includes transportation, lodging, meals, time off work, and repeated trips before and after surgery. As a family, we’re doing everything we can—but the financial strain is real.

I’m only 20 years old, and I have diabetes myself. I’ve watched my mom manage her own health challenges while still being my biggest supporter through mine. She never complains. She never asks for help. But I see how much this journey is taking out of her—physically, emotionally, and financially.

I’m creating this GoFundMe so my mom can focus on what truly matters right now: getting to her appointments, staying healthy enough for transplant, and healing—without the constant stress of how she’s going to afford it all.

If you’re able to donate, even a small amount, it would mean more than I can put into words. If you can’t donate, sharing this fundraiser is just as meaningful. Every bit of support helps.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for helping my mom continue fighting for a healthier future.

With gratitude,

kaycee