On Dec. 24th, 1991, I was diagnosed with spinal cord cancer, since then I have had 2 reaccurances of that, as well as kidney cancer, and most recently brain cancer. Which I have been battling on and off for the last 10 years. Although the cancer has now recently reached a point where it has now been deemed incureable, I have done my best to not let it control my life.

I still work (although I can’t work everyday) I work every minute that my body will let me between treatments. But unfortunately those days are becoming fewer. I still volunteer at the school and in the community, as much as I am able. I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me. I know there are people who have it worse.

The sad truth of it is, because of having to work less, the cost of traveling for medical appointments, and having to spend hundreds of dollars a month or more on medications that insurance won't cover, just to stay okay, I have fallen behind on my land taxes. I am fighting to keep my home! Unfortunately, I have to come up with quite a bit of money by December 15th, or lose my home.

I have worked, every day that I have been able to since I was 14 years old. I have never asked anyone for anything, so it pains me to do so now. I’m not asking for a hand out, I’m just needing a hand up. I’m applying for loans, and working every other avenue i can think of. I just haven’t found anything that will come through in time. My son has helped pull together what he could, but it still leaves quite a bit. I don’t want to have to ask for help, and it wasn’t my idea to start an online fundraiser. But the sad truth is is that in the short term, that seems to be my only choice, because I have until Dec 15th to come up with $2500. But I swear to you, if there is a way to pay it back I’ll pay every dime of it back when and if the loans come through. If there’s not a way to pay it back, I’ll pay every dime forward the second I am able. Please don’t think less of me for having to ask for help.

And thank you for whatever you can do to help.