In late August, I lost my mother, Paula C. Williams, after an unexpected and devastating battle with metastatic cancer.

In June and July, she went to the ER for pneumonia. During those visits, doctors discovered a growth on her right lung. By the time they were able to fully evaluate it, the cancer had already aggressively spread to her lungs and skull. Because of her pre-existing health issues and the rapid progression, she never even had the chance to “fight” the cancer.

During her final hospitalization in August, we were told she wasn’t a candidate for radiation or chemotherapy due to respiratory failure. Hospice and comfort care were the only options left. My mom spent three days surrounded by laughter, hugs, and the love of family and friends, and her last three days were spent quietly with me and her brothers by her side.

We gave her a beautiful funeral, dove release, and repast in her honor. The last piece we still need help with is her headstone. I’m hoping to raise $4,000 to give her the final resting marker she deserves.

Any contribution, big or small, means the world to me and my family.