I never thought I’d find myself writing these words. Asking for help is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do — but today, I’m doing it, because I truly have no other choice.

Just a week ago, while visiting my mum in Germany, I noticed something was off. From one day to the next, she struggled to speak, to find her words. My gut told me something was very wrong, and I rushed her to the hospital. The scans revealed a nightmare: a massive 8x5cm tumor in the left frontal lobe of her brain.

She underwent emergency brain surgery — and while the operation went well and she’s recovering far better than expected, everything in our lives has changed in an instant.

For the past week, I’ve stopped everything — my work, my life — to be there for her. Cooking nourishing meals twice a day, holding her hand, keeping hope alive.

But now, the real journey begins: rehab, recovery, and an entirely new way of living.

My mum lives alone on the 5th floor of a building with no elevator.

No matter how well she recovers, she won’t be able to return to that home. I’ll need to find her a new place, move her, manage her rehabilitation, be there through treatments. I’m single and an only child. My dad passed away 21 years ago. It’s just the two of us.

While I’m incredibly grateful to experience so much love and support from my friends who are taking care of my home and cats in Spain and constantly sending me strength and encouragement — they have their own lives, jobs, and responsibilities too. Their support is generous, but naturally limited. This situation requires more than any one circle can carry alone.

I live in Spain, but I’ll now be based in Germany for the foreseeable future to care for her. I’m self-employed, which means if I don’t work, I don’t earn — and right now, I simply can’t work. Still, life goes on: my bills, my rent, our mounting medical and relocation costs.

I’ve always prided myself on being independent, handling life’s challenges on my own. But this time, I can’t. Not alone.

This is my moment to give back to the woman who has given me everything. She’s always been there for me — and now, I will be there for her, no matter what.

If you’re able to help, your support would mean the world.

Every contribution — no matter the amount — will go directly towards covering essential costs:

• Finding and securing a new home for my mum

• Travel and relocation expenses

• Nutritional support, supplements, and possible alternative treatments

• Daily living costs while I’m unable to work

Thank you for reading, for sharing, and for holding us in your thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. With your help, I can focus on what matters most: making sure my mum recovers with dignity, comfort, and love.

With all my heart,

Susan