You’ve all no doubt heard mother-in-law/daughter-in-law horror stories. There are tons of them out there. So many moms don’t think anyone is “quite good enough” for their sons. It may be a rare instance when a mother sees someone come along who truly loves her son and puts his needs above her own, despite having her own heavy burdens. That’s a rare daughter-in-law for sure! My son Daniel met Trina over 22 years ago. They parted ways and their lives went on; but Trina never forgot him. Daniel had five children over the years, a daughter and four sons. His daughter is now happily married; two sons are grown (one just graduated from college, and another will be a college senior); and two younger boys are ages 11 and 13. They came to live with me following Daniel’s divorce from their mom over 10 years ago. Even at 70, I was way too old to raise kids again, but one does what’s necessary and what the circumstances call for one to do!

When Trina and Daniel found each other again (Trina searched for and found him 4 years ago!) they re-connected and married in 2021. The boys now have a dad and step-mom together. They became a family. There was only one factor that could throw a curve ball into life’s exciting ballgame: Trina had been diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera, a blood cancer that has no cure, but can be contained if treated timely and aggressively. The treatment currently includes daily Hydrea, plus medications for cancer: OPDIVO, and Yervoy. Trina not only has to undergo weekly treatments that cause her to be very tired and sick, but she has had bone marrow biopsies, blood transfusions to reduce the white cell count, and is facing a bone marrow transplant, once doctors can get her immune system under control. These are necessary to prolong life for her. The oncologists are waiting to discover the JAK2 gene.

The JAK2 gene is a gene that makes a protein that sends signals in cells to promote cell growth and helps control the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that are made in the bone marrow. Mutated (changed) forms of the JAK gene have been found in some types of blood conditions, including Polycythemia Vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. These changes may cause the body to make too many blood cells.

Meanwhile, this mom for my grandsons makes creative cakes for anyone having a birthday; she takes food to the sick, cooks for the family, takes one to football practice; another to piano lessons, and keeps my son on schedule for his shift job at the warehouse. She gets up at 3 a.m. and makes sure he has lunch made for him before he leaves for work. She's full of adventure and loves life. Even went sky-diving with Daniel!

We need her to live a long and healthy life! Without the necessary treatments, this won’t happen. I help her by keeping the boys while she goes to treatment, and helping with dinners on the evening following such ordeals. The financial strain is tremendous. Over the next 16 weeks, her costs over and above Medicaid and SSI assistance will run into $2,080 out of pocket. I am appealing to any who may want to help Trina cover the cost of these treatments. No amount is too small and would be greatly appreciated! Please consider helping my grandsons keep their beloved mom!