My mom is the best mom in the world. I know everyone says that about their mom, but I mean it—she’s the kind of mother who loves and supports her daughters unconditionally, who gives without hesitation, and who somehow made sure my sister and I had everything we ever wanted, even when we didn’t have much.Her heart is so big that she still insists on taking care of everyone else—even when she’s the one who needs it most.

Recently, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. And let me tell you, cancer has no idea who it’s messing with. My mom is stubborn, sarcastic, and tough as nails. She’s been my rock through every stage of life, from patching up my scraped knees to being the first person I call when life gets messy. Now, it’s my turn to be her rock.

She’s also an absolute badass. Before cancer rudely barged in, she spent her mornings hiking wooded trails with her Doberman, Ruby, and her weekends competing in agility training. She’s been a florist most of her life, and her garden is so stunning it’s won awards (and possibly made the neighbors jealous). But if there’s one thing she loves as much as her family, it’s Halloween. Every October, she transforms our front yard into a haunted masterpiece that the whole neighborhood looks forward to.

She’s now engaged in the fight of her life, and while she’s strong, even the strongest people need help sometimes. As you probably know, fighting cancer isn’t just emotionally draining—it’s financially crushing. Between treatments, medical bills, and all of her personal financial responsibilities, the costs are stacking up fast. If there was ever a time to rally behind someone who’s spent her whole life taking care of others, this is it.

If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of her kindness, admired her Halloween decorations, or just want to help an incredible woman through the toughest fight of her life, please consider donating. Every dollar helps lighten the load and gives her one more reason to keep proving cancer picked the wrong woman.

If you can’t donate, sharing this would mean the world. And if you have any dog-friendly cancer-fighting tips, send them our way—Ruby insists on being my mom’s full-time nurse.

Thank you for the love and support. Let’s help my mom kick cancer’s ass—together.