My name is James Smith, and I am organizing this fundraiser for my best friend and my mother, Susan Smith.
Susan would never ask for help herself, but today I am asking on her behalf.
For decades, Susan has dedicated her life to helping others find hope when they had none.
As a key part of helping build Exodus Homes in Hickory, North Carolina, Susan helped create opportunities for thousands of people to rebuild their lives after homelessness, incarceration, addiction, and some of life’s most difficult challenges. She has spent years serving others, often putting the needs of those around her before her own.
What many people don’t know is that while she was helping others fight their battles, she was quietly fighting her own.
Susan was first diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2012. She endured treatment, entered remission, and continued serving her community. Years later, the cancer returned as Stage 3. Then, in September of last year, our family received devastating news: Susan had been diagnosed with Stage 4 HER2-Low breast cancer.
Today, the cancer has spread to her liver, bones, and spine.
Yet Susan remains the same woman she has always been a fighter.
Those who know her describe her as selfless, hardworking, compassionate, and deeply committed to her community. Throughout her life, she has consistently given more than she received. She worked tirelessly for causes she believes in, often sacrificing financially to ensure others could continue receiving support. She has always shown up for those in need, offering her time, kindness, encouragement, and unwavering belief in people when they needed it most.
What makes this diagnosis especially difficult is that Susan has always been incredibly active and vibrant. At 71 years old, she still loves tending her garden, creating beautiful artwork, spending time with her grandchildren Phoenix and Talon, preaching in church, and serving others.
Even during treatments she continues to stay active, create art, tend her garden, and invest in the people around her. She has never allowed cancer to define her.
To give herself the best chance possible, Susan is receiving specialized treatment at City of Hope in Atlanta, Georgia. Every three weeks, she travels from North Carolina to Atlanta for ongoing treatments and transfusions. These trips require transportation, hotel stays, medications, supplements, and numerous expenses that continue to grow as treatment progresses.
After decades of service to others, Susan was decided to step away from the work she loves so she could focus on healing and her quality of life. She has incredible support from her family, and I have reduced my own travel and work commitments so I can be present to care for her and accompany her through treatment.
We are establishing this fundraiser to help cover:
• Travel expenses to and from Atlanta every three weeks
• Hotel accommodations during treatment visits
• Medical expenses and treatment-related costs
• Supplements and supportive therapies
• Daily expenses that allow Susan to maintain the quality of life she deserves
Anyone who knows Susan knows that she is not giving up.
She is a fighter.
What keeps her going is the love of her family, her friends, her faith, and the community she has spent her life serving. She wants people to know that she is not giving up hope. She is determined to keep fighting and continue making memories with the people she loves.
If Susan has ever touched your life, inspired you, encouraged you, prayed for you, supported you, or helped someone you know, we ask that you consider helping her now.
No donation is too small, and every contribution makes a difference. If you’re unable to donate, we are deeply grateful for your prayers, positive messages, and for sharing this page with others. Every act of support helps lighten the burden and reminds Susan that she is not fighting alone.
We will continue to share updates here as Susan moves through treatment and healing. Thank you for helping surround her with care, hope, and the support she needs during this incredibly challenging time.