Judy found out in late 2025 that she has stage 4 colon cancer. By the time she was diagnosed, it had already spread to her liver and she is currently undergoing treatment by way of chemotherapy. Naturally, this is a scary and challenging time for her, but in true Judy fashion, she is meeting this hurdle just as she has met all obstacles all of her adult life, with strength, grace, and humor. 

Judy’s life story, though, is about more than her cancer. She is a lover and a fighter who meets challenges head on and has helped many, many friends, family, and acquaintances do just the same. 

Her giving nature, compassion and generosity is part of her innate personality but was also learned from her parents, Ernie and Faye. They were the type of people who would help strangers without hesitation and were always ready to step up for friends and family members in need. Judy has always said they were the best parents she could’ve ever hoped for. You see, Judy was adopted by these amazing people. She was only a few weeks old when they adopted her and they always reminded her that they were the ones to be blessed to be able to give her a loving home along with two older brothers. Judy cared for her parents at the end of their lives for many years, taking them into her home and doing everything she could to care for them with the added challenges that come with a parent with dementia. 

Upon the passing of her parents and the immense grief that came with their loss, Judy was surprised to learn a few years later that she has biological half siblings. Judy had tried to no avail for years to find her biological family. After the gift of DNA testing failed to lead anywhere significant, a long time friend studying genealogy asked if she might be able to help. After sharing the test results that friend, Tonya, found one of Judy’s sisters! And get this, Judy’s sister was actually married to Tonya’s brother, who Judy also had known for a long time! It’s almost too hard to believe, but further DNA testing proved that Judy had 2 half sisters and 1 half brother. Sadly, Judy’s biological mother had passed prior to this and one sister recently passed as well, but not before getting to meet and of course, love Judy. 

Judy’s newly found remaining sister, Jamie and her husband, Terry have now become part of Judy’s ever growing tribe. Judy’s tribe of family and friends have not only seen Judy’s kindness, but have been the lucky recipients of her generosity over the years. Now, in an effort to return that generosity, her tribe has come together to support her during her time of need through medical appointment rides, providing meals, and helping with chores and support visits. Her tribe is all actively involved, but now the medical bills are coming in and this is where we need your help. Yes, the tribe is helping financially too, but more help is needed. 

While Judy has worked hard all of her life, even keeping the same job for over 20 years, cancer is expensive and the financial burden of her treatment is significant. Donations will go first and foremost to Judy’s medical care and every donation will be tremendously appreciated not only by Judy but by her tribe as well. 

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Judy! If contributing monetarily isn't an option for you, sharing is caring and helping get eyes on Judy's story would be greatly appreciated.