Trina Sette, my mom, a 56 year old grandmother, succumbed to extreme complications from her pancreatic cancer on July 20th, 2025 after surviving a hospice related fentanyl overdose only 6 weeks prior.

Trina Sette was the matriarch of our family, having lost her mother 2 years ago to bladder cancer exacerbated by medical negligence. Trina herself fell victim to similar medical negligence during her cancer journey. Diagnosed as a stage 2, she fought her way quickly back to stage 1. Despite her oncologists attitude she fought valiantly for integrative care. Her oncologist consistently disregarded her wants and needs, eventually misguiding her into an aggressive chemotherapy treatment. This led to an extremely fast decline and then a hospice involved fentanyl over dose. She survived that near death experience and we were blessed with 6 more weeks together. She told me exactly what she wanted during this time, and I haven’t stopped advocating for her since.

The fentanyl overdose was the scariest thing I’ve ever witnessed, and it must be happening to so many others. It taught me that if it doesn’t feel right, it isn’t. If you see something, say something. My mom could still be here today, as her cancer had only progressed to stage 3 after stopping integrative care and starting chemo.

My mom went out on top, as the head of our family, an award-winning employee and business owner. She had just bought a new truck, and was looking to help us start our own business. With her quick, sharp decline in health both my husband and myself had to stop working and began taking care of her full time. We were blessed and grateful to be with her every moment we could be. She passed away in my arms, holding her grandsons’ hand.

I will never forget how giving she was, especially on Christmas. Making sure the homeless had shoes and blankets, that my friends always had somewhere to go, that those around her always felt loved and laughed often, with hugs daily.

To get to know her love and light better, please read her obituary here : https://epilogg.com/obituary/trina-sette-smith-irvine-ca-usa-13974

My mom always wanted to be a firework at the end of her life. This is part of why we are asking for help. You can read more about firework celebrations of life here:

https://greenlawnfuneralhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Greenlawn-Brochure-Fireworks-v4.pdf

I’m saddened to say on top of funding her celebration of life, we are experiencing our own physical disabilities and we are at risk of losing our home.

If you feel compelled to help, please share and donate here!