A mother's fight to spend her remaining time surrounded by family while preparing a loving and secure future for the young son she will leave behind.

Hello, my name is Nicole, and many of you know me as someone who has always been a giver, a hard worker, and a champion for others. Throughout my life, I have done my best to support those around me. Whether it was family, friends, or children who needed a safe place to stay or a warm meal, my home and my heart have always been open.

Never did I imagine that I would one day find myself on the other side, asking for help.

A few years ago, my family's world was turned upside down when I was diagnosed with a life-ending disease affecting my lungs and heart. Since then, I have fought to continue living as normally as possible, working to support my family while navigating the physical, emotional, and financial challenges of my illness.

Unfortunately, my health has continued to decline, and at only 40-something years old, I am now facing the reality that my time here with my family is coming to an end.

At the recommendation of my medical specialists, I recently made the incredibly difficult decision to stop working. I have worked since I was 15 years old and accepting that I can no longer provide for myself and my family in the way I always have has been heartbreaking.

But the most difficult part of all is knowing that I will be leaving behind my youngest son, Jesse, who is only 10 years old. At an age when he should be worrying about school, playing with friends, and simply enjoying being a kid, Jesse is facing the unimaginable reality of losing his mom.

No mother ever imagines having to prepare her child for a future without her, especially at such a young age. I never thought I would have to make plans for the years of Jesse's life that I will not be here to see. I won't be there for so many of the milestones that a mother looks forward to sharing with her child, and that is a reality I am still struggling to accept.

As my health has deteriorated, my family has had to make some incredibly difficult and unexpected decisions to ensure that I can receive the care I need while also preparing for Jesse's future.

Jesse has already had to leave the only home he has ever known and change schools so that we can be closer to family. We are currently in a temporary living situation while my adult children work to create a permanent home where I can spend my remaining time surrounded by the people I love and where Jesse can continue to live, grow, and be cared for long after I am gone.

My greatest wish is to spend my final days surrounded by my children and family, knowing that Jesse will have a safe, stable, and loving home for the rest of his childhood.

This is not a situation any of us could have anticipated or financially prepared for. My adult children have been incredibly gracious and supportive throughout my illness, taking on responsibilities and expenses that no family expects to face so suddenly. They are doing everything they can to make sure I receive the care I need while also preparing to welcome Jesse into their home permanently.

With my ability to work now gone, the medical bills continuing to accumulate, and the financial realities of end-of-life care and funeral arrangements ahead of us, I am humbly asking for help.

Funds raised through this GoFundMe will help with:

•Medical expenses, including copays, prescriptions, mobility equipment, and other necessary care.

•End-of-life care and funeral expenses, easing the financial burden on my children when the time comes.

•The unexpected costs of creating a permanent living space for me and Jesse, allowing me to spend my remaining time with family and ensuring he has a home after I am gone.

•Jesse's ongoing living expenses and future needs as he continues growing up in the care of his older siblings.

Every contribution will help ease the financial strain on my family during an already devastating time. More importantly, it will allow me to focus on what matters most: spending the time I have left making memories with my children and knowing that Jesse will be cared for when I can no longer be there.

I have spent my life working hard, providing for my family, and helping others whenever I could. Putting my pride aside to ask for help is not easy but knowing that my children will be left to navigate so much without me has made me realize that I cannot do this alone.

I cannot change what the future holds for me, but with your kindness and support, I hope to make the future a little easier for the children I will leave behind, especially my youngest, Jesse.

If you are able to donate, no amount is too small. If you are unable to contribute financially, sharing this fundraiser or keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers would mean just as much.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read our story, for your kindness, and for helping my family through this incredibly difficult chapter of our lives.

My hope is that when my time comes, I can leave this world peacefully, surrounded by the people I love, knowing that Jesse will always have a place to call home and a family to love him through all the years I won't be there to see.

With love and gratitude,

Nicole