Hi, everyone. My name is Liliana and this fundraiser is on behalf of my mom, Hada Silvia Perdomo, who recently passed away after a year-long battle with cancer. I was able to take on the role of caregiver and nurse for my mom as she approached her final months of life.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the story of my remarkable mother’s courageous journey with cancer and my family’s need for assistance as we navigate the aftermath of her passing. The purpose of this fundraiser is to help my family cover our mom’s care costs, final expenses, and funeral services.

Our mom had a hard time asking for help, even when she needed it the most. She bore the weight of her burdens silently, often putting on a brave face to shield her loved ones from the extent of her struggles. She was fiercely independent and overcame obstacles with a quiet strength that inspired all who knew her. As a single mother of four, she always found a way to put one foot in front of the other and push forward, even at times when the end was nowhere in sight. She dedicated herself wholeheartedly and worked tirelessly to provide for us, often neglecting her own wellbeing in the process. She was our rock, our guiding light, and the embodiment of resilience in the face of adversity.

It was in late February 2023 that our lives were forever altered, when our mom was diagnosed with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the breast, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. From that moment on, she embarked on a journey marked by uncertainty and pain — yet she faced each day with unwavering hope, courage, and grace. For a while, our mom struggled with this disease by herself. A lot of family didn’t know, especially the gravity of what she went through. Even to her daughters who did know of her diagnosis, she would downplay the severity of her pain. In her words, she didn’t want us to worry over things we didn’t have the power to change.

Despite undergoing countless treatments, the cancer continued its relentless advance, resulting in our mom’s rapidly deteriorating condition. Complications from her treatments left her with excruciating pain and irreversible damage to her body. Yet, she never lost the will to fight for every precious moment she could share with her loved ones.

In October 2023, our worst fears were realized when the doctors informed us that the cancer was terminal. On the very same day she received this devastating news, our mom returned from the hospital to find that her house had been burglarized, compounding her anguish and stripping her of what little sense of security she had left. The estimated total loss was $70,000. It was a cruel blow to a woman who had already suffered so much, a stark reminder of life’s inherent injustices.

Our mom truly did not deserve the hand that she was dealt. Her entire life was about consistent, diligent work and making sacrifices for those she loved. Despite her own difficult circumstances, she never hesitated to lend a helping hand to those in need. I am reminded of the time, a few years ago, when she selflessly gave away her original cemetery plot to a longtime neighbor who could not afford to lay her husband to rest. Our mom found it so easy to say they could have her burial plot because she “didn’t need it right now,” and they did. This sincere gesture of kindness demonstrates the type of person our mom was. It is a testament to the depth of her compassion and generosity. If she had the power within her reach to make a difference for someone else, she would gladly do it. She was surely an inspiration.

In her final months of life, our mom fought with every ounce of strength she had left, traveling between two hospitals and exploring every available treatment option in hopes of buying more time. Eventually, keeping up with these weekly appointments became visibly draining for her, as any physical movement caused her immense pain. Even so, she persisted because she didn’t want to “give up” on herself. She gave it her all until her body couldn’t do it anymore.

Near the end of January 2024, our mom was hospitalized for over a week due to a serious infection in her chest. The cancer had eroded its way into her chest cavity at this point, and there was no other choice but to transition to her final phase of care: hospice at home.

She took her last breath on February 25, 2024, surrounded by her daughters and family members during her final hours, knowing that she was loved beyond measure.

Now, as we come to terms with this profoundly sad loss, we are confronted with unexpected financial burdens. The significant strain that comes with end of life care — not being able to work in order to provide around-the-clock care for a loved one — has taken a toll on our family. We are faced with the daunting task of covering the expenses associated with her care and final arrangements, which have proven to be a lot more than we anticipated. As her daughters, we are committed to honoring our mom’s memory, fulfilling her wishes, and ensuring she receives the farewell she deserves.

That’s why we are reaching out to you, our community, for support as we navigate this difficult time. No donation is too small, and every contribution will make a meaningful difference in helping us ease the financial strain of this heartbreaking chapter of our lives. Together, we can make sure that our mom’s legacy lives on, inspiring us to face life’s challenges with courage, grace, and unwavering love. May her spirit continue to guide us, and may her memory be a beacon of light that shines in our lives forever.

Our mother’s funeral service is scheduled on Saturday, April 6th. If you would like more information, please send us a message.

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for your compassion and generosity.

With heartfelt gratitude,

the daughters of Hada Silvia