From my mother - this is so hard for me to do, as I've always tried to do everything on my own. But now I am asking for everyone’s help.

I am here in support of my mother, Shelia. I am her daughter Samantha and for as long as I can remember she has been the strongest, bravest women I know. Through all the obstacles her and I have faced and overcome; we have now hit our hardest obstacle and it's a battle we were both not ready for. Since being diagnosed with Primary Myelofibrosis in November 2024, our life has turned upside down.

I can’t tell you how many times she has looked at me since that day and said, “I’m so sorry for getting sick.” As you can imagine, that broke my heart every time.

The Cancer:

Shelia is battling a rare blood cancer. Primary Myelofibrosis (Myeloproliferative neoplasms MPNs) is a rare group of chronic blood cancers that develop when the bone marrow produces too many blood cells. The abnormal mutation that causes the MPNs to originate in the bone marrow stem cell. MPNs are uncontrolled blood cell production, and the excess builds up in the blood and bone marrow over time. This type of cancer isn't well known and has no real path of treatment besides a Bone Marrow Transplant / Stem Cell Transplant; it has no cure.

Shelia has endured countless medical appointments, emergency room visits, diagnostic testing, phlebotomies, and for the last 11 weeks she is currently an inpatient at the hospital. We are currently trying to seek help to find her an MPN specialist that can help further her life expectancy. Those specialists don’t seem to be found in Oregon, so I am seeking help in other states which would require relocation for her treatment.

The physical, emotional and financial toll of this battle has left Shelia unable to work, struggling to cover even basic necessities and has exhausted all funds and accrued massive debt trying to survive.

My mother lives with us, I can take care of her and make sure she gets the nutrition, help, and support she needs though this battle. When we found out about her cancer diagnosis, I went on medical paid leave and that was able to help financially for a few weeks, but I was unable to return to work due to her going medical appointments, treatments, needs and wanting to spend as much time with her as I can. Now we are living on one income and the weight of our mortgage, utilities, and car payments have been unbearable.

As her daughter, I’m here to give back the compassion she’s shown me my entire life. Since the moment we received her diagnosis, I’ve stood by her side — through every appointment, every treatment, every quiet moment at home, and nearly every day and night of these past 11 weeks in the hospital. I commute 4 hours round trip to see my mother. We don’t have nearby family to lean on, so much of this journey has been ours to walk alone. While in the hospital my mother has suffered hospital delirium, if you don't know what that is, it is a temporary but serious condition that causes sudden confusion, emotional disturbances, and unusual behavior. It occurred because she has been in the hospital for a prolonged period of time and she isn't around her normal environment. Seeing family, friends and trying to keep what she does normally the same was very important. This was a very difficult time for us. And while I’ve carried the weight of being unmarried and without children — milestones I always dreamed of sharing with her — I hold on to the hope that I’ll still get to give her those moments.

She’s always wanted the best for me, and everything I am today is because of her love, strength, and sacrifices. Now it’s my turn to be her strength — to return, in whatever way I can, the endless care she’s given me.

The future may be uncertain, but one thing I know without a doubt is that I will do everything in my power to ensure my mother receives the best care possible. We’ve faced more challenges together than many do in a lifetime. It’s never been an easy road, but I truly believe we haven’t been given anything that God didn’t believe we could handle. There’s a greater purpose behind this journey and through it all, we will come out stronger, together.

As a family we urgently need support to face the financial challenges of her journey. Your donation can bring hope and stability to Shelia, who continues to find the positive light despite facing life-changing circumstances beyond her control.

How Your Support Will Help:

Your generosity will directly help Shelia and her family cover:

• Living Expenses: Lodging, meals, and transportation for the future Shelia will need to receive treatments.

• Medical Costs: Assistance with medical expenses that won’t be covered by Insurance.

• Basic Needs: Ensuring theirs is a roof over our heads, food on the table, bills are paid, and a reliable vehicle is available for travel to and from the hospital.

The Emotional Toll:

The psychological toll of this journey weighs heavily on all of us, but no one more than Shelia herself. Since the beginning Shelia has been painfully aware of the financial burden her illness places on her family. That stress impacts her spirit and her health. She tells us often how sorry she is for being sick and I reassure her that it is not her fault but as you can imagine this toll has weighed very heavy on her. Your support can help ease these worries, giving Shelia the chance to focus on her recovery and return to the things she loves.

Our Desperate Plea:

We are prayerful, pleading, and turning to our family, friends, neighbors, and community for help. We need your kindness and generosity to ensure Shelia gets the care she needs. Every donation, no matter how small, will bring Shelia closer to a chance of a longer life and being able to share those big life moments with her daughter and family.

Please share Shelia’s story with your friends on Facebook or any social media, with your church, with your friends, and with your neighbors. Someone may be able to only give $1 or $5, and those dollars will add up - we absolutely believe that! If you can’t help with your wallet, you can help with your heart by sharing Shelia’s story. You never know who will see her story and be able to contribute.

Keep praying and wishing well on Sheila and our family.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your compassion and generosity.