If you know my mom, Patti Buckley, you know she is the hardest working, most caring, and most selfless person on this earth. To know her is to love her. She has spent her entire life giving everything she has to others, and even now—at 67 years old—she continues to work full-time as a home health aide caring for a wonderful family she adores.

Recently, during a routine colonoscopy, doctors found a cancerous polyp. Because of this, she now needs surgery on December 30th to remove part of her intestine and to make sure the cancer hasn’t spread. This was completely unexpected, and we are unsure of the journey that lies ahead. Anyone who knows my mom knows she would absolutely murder me if she knew I was creating a GoFundMe—but she deserves the world, and she deserves the chance to rest, recover, and heal without added financial stress.

Patti has faced more than her share of hardships throughout her life, always pushing through with strength and grace while asking for nothing in return. This is another bump in the road she didn’t see coming, but she remains hopeful—just as she has taught all of us to be. Any amount, big or small, will help give her peace of mind as she prepares for surgery and focuses on her recovery. Thank you for taking the time to read, share, and support my mom. Your kindness truly means more than words can express.