Our beloved friend Patty has spent the last five years enduring a relentless series of heartbreaks and hardships — and now, she needs our help.

If you know Patty, you know she is strong, loyal, hard-working, and deeply compassionate. She is always the first to lend a hand, give her time, or offer encouragement — but life has tested her more than anyone should ever have to bear.

Here’s what she’s been through:

In 2020, while the world was reeling from COVID, Patty was working on the front lines as a CNA in a nursing home — caring selflessly for some of the most vulnerable. Just as she contracted COVID herself and began quarantine, her husband of 18 years abruptly left her. Amid the emotional wreckage, she found the strength to work extra hours to pay for her own divorce, alone.

Through it all, she held onto one source of comfort: her dog, Rusty — a soulful brindle Italian Greyhound–Catahoula mix (you’ll see his sweet face in the photos). Rusty isn’t just a pet — he’s family. After years of heartbreak and loss, he became her emotional lifeline and loyal companion.

But life didn’t let up

In November 2021, Patty’s father suddenly passed away. Her mother — bed-bound with dementia — was left needing full-time care. Without hesitation, Patty stepped in. She moved into her mother’s home in 2022 and, alongside a home aide, became her mother’s caregiver while still working full-time. It was a labor of love, but one that took a deep emotional and physical toll.

In December 2023, her mother passed away peacefully at home — leaving Patty grieving, exhausted, and trying to make sense of everything she had just endured.

Then, another blow:
In June 2024, Patty was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine mammogram. She underwent two surgeries, followed by radiation, which forced her out of work for four months.

During that time, Rusty developed a lump on his leg. At first, it didn’t seem serious — but it turned out to be soft tissue sarcoma. It required surgeries (over 15k, so far), 13 bandage changes ($121.50 a pop), and ultimately a risky skin graft with only a 50% chance of success. Patty spent every spare moment — and dollar — focused on his care.

Just when we thought she might catch a break, her own routine exam in May 2025 revealed precancerous cells requiring a full hysterectomy. But Patty, ever focused on others, postponed the surgery so she could focus on Rusty’s recovery.

She’s now scheduled for her own surgery this fall — meaning more time off work without full pay — and more financial strain.

And if all of that weren’t enough, a legal oversight in the 2022 sale of her marital home (which only netted her $15K) resulted in a clerical error. Now Patty is being pursued by the IRS for thousands of dollars she doesn’t owe — and she’s forced to pay lawyer fees to fight it.

While she continues to live in her late mother’s home, she does not own it and there was no inheritance. She is also responsible for all taxes, maintenance, and repairs on the aging house.

Patty works full-time, picks up side jobs, and has always been the first to donate her sick time to coworkers in need. But now, she’s the one in need — and she’s using everything she has just to stay afloat.

As her best friend, I watched her weather these storms with dignity and quiet strength. Even though I had to relocate to Florida and couldn’t be by her side through it all, I come up whenever I can. It’s been heartbreaking to watch from a distance, and now I’m asking for your help.

How You Can Help:

We’re hoping to raise $25,000 to help Patty:

Any amount — large or small — will mean the world. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing Patty’s story with your friends, family, and anyone who believes in helping good people get back on their feet.

Let’s help Patty finally catch her breath. ❤️

Thank you so much for reading this long story and for your kindness, generosity, and prayers.

xox Ali(son)