For over 30 years, Lisa has called me her “Person,” her ride or die. And I am beyond honored and blessed to hold that place in her life.

Lisa is the kind of person who would do absolutely anything for the people she loves. She’s spent her professional life nurturing and teaching children, and her personal life putting others before herself. Her heart is pure gold. She lights up over the little joys in life. Her passion is music. Her greatest joy? Dogs.

For the past 10 years, in addition to working full-time as a devoted daycare teacher, Lisa has also been the primary caregiver for her aging parents. This past year, especially, has taken a toll. Her mother fell ill and passed away, and Lisa continued caring for her father, all while showing up every day to care for infants and toddlers with unwavering love.

Lisa always puts herself last. And unfortunately, that caught up with her. She’s been sick on and off since the beginning of this year. After several concerning test results, doctors began suspecting cancer. Here in Buffalo, the answers were unclear, the biopsy was inconclusive, and no surgeon was willing to operate.

That’s when I stepped in. Her Person. I said, “We need more.” So we went to the best, Sloan Kettering in NYC to finally get real answers.

And we got them.

The good news: There’s no cancer.

The bad news: a significant tumor has taken up residence on Lisa’s liver. So significant, we gave it a name: Lolita.

Well, Lolita — it’s eviction time.

Unfortunately, the world-renowned surgeon at Sloan Kettering who can perform the surgery Lisa needs is out of network. She’s facing at least $10,000 in out-of-pocket costs just to get started.

Here’s where I ask for your help.

If you know Lisa, you know she would never ask for this herself. She is humble, selfless, and always giving, never taking. That’s why I’m stepping up and reaching out on her behalf.

Please help us take some of this financial burden off her shoulders so she can focus on healing, recovering, and finally putting herself first for once. Any contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. And if you can’t give, please share her story.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for loving Lisa, whether you know her personally or are just learning about her now. And thank you for standing with us as we show Lolita the door.