My mom has always loved Disneyland, so I started an annual tradition in January 2022 of getting her and I tickets for a day, and every year she joyfully expresses how everyone there is happy because everyone is there to have fun - it is, after all, called "The Happiest Place on Earth". It's this beacon of happiness that takes her back to one of her few cherished memories as a child. Her childhood was not easy, being the eldest sister of eight siblings, one of whom passed away at a young age from an asthma attack. My mom is no stranger to loss - her husband, my father, died by suicide when she was 38 years old, and shortly after, she lost her mother and then her mother-in-law, who was a large source of comfort after my dad passed. It was around this time that my mom received her first breast cancer diagnosis.

Growing up, my brother and I struggled in our own ways, adding weight to the burdens my mom already carried on her shoulders. Despite all the strife she faced, she used her faith to keep going, always praying and never giving up hope. Almost 20 years ago, she adopted a little girl I was babysitting when we learned her mother was struggling with addiction. While raising this little girl, my mom also took on raising my brother's young child. I always tell people that if they think I am kind, it's because I have half my mother's heart, which many will agree is larger than most.

We recently learned her breast cancer has returned after more than 20 years in remission. A week later, we learned it spread to her lungs.

This woman has given so much of herself without ever asking for anything in return, so I'm trying my best to give her even a fraction of the joy and graciousness she's provided to countless others. Naturally, I had to get her a Disneyland Magic Key Pass so she could go to Disneyland as often as she can.

Therefore, I'd like to raise small donations to sponsor many trips to Disneyland. Despite having her Magic Key Pass, the costs of gas, parking, lunch, and treats really add up, and it would make sense for me to also get a pass.

I'm admittedly very embarrassed to ask for money with everything else going on in the world, but I know that joy and laughter will support her healing. If you feel moved to help, your support will help us create special memories and bring happiness to someone who has given so much to others.