Help Us Cherish Every Moment: Support for My Mom’s Fight

Hi, my name is Karen — and it has always been me and my mom against the world.

We call ourselves the Gilmore Girls of Belleville.

My mom is not only my mother, but my best friend, my safe place, and the fiercest woman I know.

Four weeks ago, our world shifted forever. My mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 incurable colon cancer, with a prognosis of a maximum of 18 months. While those words shook us to our core, we are choosing to face this next chapter with courage, love, and a whole lot of grace.

Mom lives with me, and I am her main caregiver. She recently underwent a colostomy and is experiencing complications that require daily care and medical supplies. For the first 30 days, these supplies are covered — after that, we are on our own financially.

As a self-employed child care provider, I do not qualify for Employment Insurance or caregiver support. Every day I take off work to care for my mom directly affects our ability to stay afloat. But I need to be with her. I want to be with her — to make these next 18 months (and hopefully many more) as peaceful, comfortable, and joyful as possible.

This fundraiser will help us cover:

• Ongoing medical supplies and equipment not covered after the first 30 days

• Travel costs for appointments and treatments

• Time off work so I can be by her side without worrying about bills piling up

• Everyday essentials to help us focus on moments, not money

My mom is the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back to someone in need. Her granddaughter is her pride and joy, and she has always poured herself into loving and supporting others. Now, she needs help.

Anything you can give — whether it’s $5, $50, or simply a share of this campaign — is appreciated more than words could ever express. Your generosity gives us the gift of time, comfort, and peace during an incredibly painful season.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you for being part of our village.

With love,

Karen