My name is Robert, and I’m reaching out because my mom, Cina Cedar, has just been diagnosed with advanced cancer. For most of my life, my parents lived just a few hours away, and I could always visit them when needed. But after wildfires forced them to move, my parents relocated to Missouri, and now I’m across the country in Washington State. My mom has always been the one to care for others—she’s been a nurse since I was a kid, and she even took care of her own father until he passed. Now, she needs her family more than ever.

The past year and a half has been a turning point for me. After struggling with chemical dependency since I was 11, I’ve been sober since Valentine’s Day last year. I recently had surgery and lost my job, so I’m living paycheck to paycheck and don’t have the means to travel. I want nothing more than to be by my mom’s side, sober and present, to support her and my stepdad during this difficult time. I missed the chance to spend time with my dad before he passed, and I don’t want to have the same regrets with my mom.

I’m asking for help to cover the cost of getting to Missouri—whether that’s a plane ticket or gas to drive. Time is short, and being there for my mom in her final months means everything to both of us. Any support will go directly toward travel expenses so I can be with her and make the most of the time we have left. Thank you for helping me be there for my family when it matters most.