Help Diane Kick Cancer's Butt!

Whether you’ve worked with her as a teacher or tutor, collaborated with her as an artist, or simply known her as a neighbor or friend, there’s one thing everyone notices about Diane Talbot – she’s dedicated her life to helping others. Now, let’s all step up to help her!

(Top photo: Diane, John, and granddaughter Lily)

 

(Diane after having her head shaved)

I’m starting this GoFundMe to help my mom and her husband, John Barnes, pay her bills and living expenses for the next 6 months while she undergoes cancer treatment.

 

Diane was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Not only is she undergoing chemo, the cancer has caused her to become diabetic, and the tumor has created a complete intestinal blockage, so she’s relying completely on intravenous nutrition and fluids to survive for the time being. In a few months, once the tumor shrinks, her doctors hope to operate, removing what they can of the tumor and hopefully bypassing the digestive blockage so she can eat normally again.

 

Because of how sick she is, Diane has been completely unable to work and was forced to sell the tutoring business she had built over the past several years. John had a large project canceled at work and is also bringing in significantly less income now. While he’s working on a new certification that comes with a salary increase, caring for Diane is a round-the-clock job and that’s slowed his ability to progress toward this goal. For the past few months, his job has only been able to cover the cost of her insurance, while the rest of their living expenses have come out of savings.

 

Their savings won’t last forever, so I’m hoping we can step up and ease the burden during this difficult time. Any funds raised through this page will be used to cover out of pocket medical expenses, their mortgage, utilities, insurance, groceries and household needs, etc.

 

If you don’t know Diane, I just want to take a moment to let you know how special she is.

 

My mom is one of the kindest, strongest people I know. When I was growing up as a queer, trans kid in Utah, she always had my back. She’s dedicated her life to helping children as a teacher and tutor, and has gained a reputation as a safe adult for LGBTQ youth and children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Even as she’s struggled with her health, she’s still trying to direct parents to resources for their kids – including her nurses when she’s been hospitalized!

 

(One of Diane's artistic creations!)

She’s also a talented artist who has shown in numerous galleries in the Denver area, and is an active member of a local ceramics co-op. She’s never wanted to make a business selling her work, preferring instead of give pieces away to friends and family. While she’s been too sick to spend as much time at the studio in recent months, she’s still making time on good days work on pottery with her friends.

 

(Diane spending time with granddaughter Lily)

Her greatest joy in life, however, is being a grandmother – and in spite of her illness, she’s still trying to spend every moment possible with her grandkids. I know I’m biased, but I’m amazed every day at how committed she is to making the most of every day and being there for the people around her, even in the midst of her illness.

 

Here’s how you can help!

 

If you have the means, please consider donating – every little bit helps! If you aren’t currently able to donate, you can help by sharing this page with your friends and family and asking for their support. Thank you for all for asking what you can do. I know we all appreciate the kind words and offers of support.