Hello, my name is Dillon Culver, Mary Ellen's son. To any of you that have had the pleasure to meet and know my mother, you would know her as one of the most funny, bright, and magnetic personalities one could ever meet. She is definitely one to leave a strong first impression. If you were a student of hers you know her as Ms. Mary, and if you were a close friend you would know her as Emmy.

What some of you may not have been aware of is that for the past year, starting early October 2021, my mom has been fighting cancer. She has been through rounds of chemo with minimal results and as the disease spread through her lungs, liver, and eventually brain, she went through radiation to try and control it. Unfortunately, her cancer has been resistant to the treatments and she has run out of viable options. As of this past week, the tumors in her brain have grown into her blood vessels and begun bleeding. The neurology team has said that the tumors are innumerable and there is no treatment or operation left for her. She currently has been admitted to a hospice facility where she can be more comfortable. She has been given days or weeks to live.

Any of you that know my mom knows she is a strong fighter, not only for herself but for others as well. Whether it be students, colleagues, friends, or anyone in need, she would never hesitate to go the extra mile to help them. Living with her, I know how much of a bleeding heart she was, giving everything she had to those who needed it more and never asking for anything in return.

Myself, my sister, and my fiancee are the only ones she has as she goes through this difficult time. We are thankful for the time left that we get to spend with her and that we were recently able to celebrate her 57th birthday at the end of January while she was still lucid.

We are asking for any assistance with end-of-life and funeral expenses. We are trying to get through this together but we need help. This has come at such a young age for us and we are trying to figure it out as we go. Any donations at all are greatly appreciated. We know she was loved deeply and widely.