My name is Tamara, and I’m reaching out during the most soul-crushing time my family has ever faced. My mom was recently placed on hospice care for Stage 4 gallbladder cancer, and I’ve had to drop from working three jobs to just one so I can be by her side. While I struggle to give her a peaceful goodbye, the roof over our heads is slipping away.

​Right now, 87% of my take-home pay goes directly to rent. Every cent left over goes to utility bills that have become overwhelming because of home repairs my landlord refuses to fix. In the town where we live, they don't care about your situation—if you don’t pay, you are disconnected. Period. I am living in a state of pure terror, stressed from the moment I wake up until I close my eyes, and even then, I am haunted by nightmares of my mom being left in the dark and cold.

​I am no slacker. I have always pulled my own weight, and I am more motivated than ever. My daughter is only one month away from graduating her CNA program, and I am about to start a phlebotomy class while being just one semester away from completing my Bachelor’s degree. These are milestones I fought for so my mom could see them, but now I am fighting just to keep us from being evicted while she is so ill.

​We are so close to a stable future, but we have run out of time and resources to stay afloat. If you have ever loved a parent, you know that time is the only thing you cannot buy back. I am asking for your help so I don't have to choose between holding my mother’s hand and keeping the heat on in a broken house. Your support will help us catch up on rent, keep the lights on, and save for the move to get my mom, my daughter, and our three dogs somewhere safe and functional.

​Please help me give my mother a dignified end. Your kindness will truly take the weight off my shoulders so I can focus on her final moments instead of the fear of a shut-off notice. Thank you for seeing us through this dark hour.