Last week, I learned that my father has aggressive cancer that has already spread to his liver, lung, and lymph nodes. He may only have a short time without treatment, but he wants to fight for every day he can. I live in Indiana and he’s in Missouri, and I’m doing my best to support him while managing my responsibilities at home.

Just days later, my husband Fred was also diagnosed with cancer in his lungs and lymph nodes. He had just finished his Per Scholas program, earned his CompTIA A+ certificate, and received the MVT award — the highest honor in his class. He was excited to start a new career, and now he’s facing pain, scans, and uncertainty instead. We don’t have children, so we’ve always been each other’s whole world, and I want to be there for him during this difficult time.

I’m asking for help so I can manage the additional expenses that come with caring for two loved ones facing serious illness. Donations will help with rent, groceries, gas for appointments, and medical co‑pays — the basic things that become harder to keep up with when life changes suddenly.

As a thank‑you, I will be offering small original paintings or pet portraits to some donors. Creating art brings comfort to both me and Fred, and sharing it feels meaningful. If donations exceed our immediate needs, any remaining funds will help me build my art career in addition to my nursing career in the future.

Your support gives me the chance to stay steady for the two people I love most during the hardest chapter of our lives. Thank you for reading and for any kindness you can offer.

I’d also like to share a poem I wrote years ago for my hospice patients, which now feels so close to my own heart:

If I could die a thousand deaths and take your place, I would.

If I could ease your fearfulness, don't you think I should?

But I can't do that, no matter how I try.

I can only hold your hand and hug you while we cry.

It's hard to leave a place we love, a place we've known so long.

But all must walk this sacred path, so where do we really belong?

Thank you for letting me share in your final journey home.

And if you could, when it's my turn, that you would greet me there?