Last November, our Nana Paula, was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, stage 2 - grade 3. By January, she underwent a lumpectomy, but her journey didn’t get any easier from there. During recovery, she developed a surgical site infection that required three rounds of antibiotics—just the beginning of a long and difficult road.

Doctors determined that Paula would need chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation. She began chemotherapy in late March, and before even reaching her second treatment, she began losing her hair. In true Paula fashion, she turned a heartbreaking moment into something full of love—she let her grandchildren cut her hair so they could be part of it. What could have been purely painful became a memory with some tears, lots of strength, and even more laughter. That’s who Paula is.

Many in our community know Paula from her 30+ years at Pasquale’s, where she served customers with a smile and made lasting connections. More recently, she has been working at Laurel Oaks Golf Club. For the past four months, however, she has been unable to work due to surgery and now ongoing chemotherapy treatments. The physical toll, pain, fatigue, and side effects has made even simple daily tasks a challenge.

Despite everything she’s facing, Paula’s biggest worry isn’t herself—it’s her family. She’s concerned about how she’ll make ends meet, and even more so about being able to continue spoiling her grandchildren for birthdays and Christmas, something that brings her so much joy. But now, for the first time in her life, Paula has to focus on herself—on keeping a roof over her head, food on the table, and making it to the treatments that are fighting for her life.

To make matters even harder, Maysville’s local oncology department closed right as Paula received her diagnosis. This means traveling for every appointment. She is currently receiving chemotherapy at UK, and once that is complete, she will begin daily radiation treatments for 4–6 weeks or longer. We are working to transfer her radiation care to St. Claire in Morehead to ease the burden of travel, but the road ahead is still demanding.

If you’ve ever met Paula, we’re almost certain you left with a smile. She’s witty, strong, and full of heart. The kind of person who would give her last dollar or her time to help someone else in need. Now, she needs that same support.

Any donation, no matter the amount, will go toward medical expenses, travel costs, and helping Paula maintain her home and basic needs during this fight. If you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this and lifting Paula up in your prayers.

Let’s come together and support a woman who has given so much to others. Paula is truly one of a kind and she is most definitely worth fighting for.

Thank you, on the behalf of her children, her daughter in law and her grandchildren.