Mattingly's Angels

I hate handouts. I hate having to ask for help. I've always had the mentality that whatever I needed or wanted, I would provide for on my own. And if I couldn't, I didn't need it. Unfortunately the cloud over my head has grown, and I'm at the end of the road. Some will call me a hypocrite, others will probably turn their back on me, but to the small handful that know me well...I wouldn't be asking for help if I didn't know where else to turn to.

As some of you know, Mattingly was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer in February 2017. For the most part, I managed to pay for his treatments with my own money through the job I had and the photo money I made. In the last month or so, Mattingly has had some troubles with side effects and missteps in his progress to getting better. He's currently in ICU at UC Davis getting the treatment he needs.

Then the turn for the worse in my own personal life, when I was let go from my job as the doctor that I worked for was downsizing. Couldn't have happened at a worse time. People keep saying that I'll get through this, at the moment I don't see a light at the end of my tunnel.

I realize the money I'm requesting is a lot. Most will go towards Mattingly's treatment. And whatever is left over, will be donated to Bulldog Rescue. I'm not asking for help for me, I know I'll eventually find a job. But when finding a job, I also know I won't have the freedom to photograph as I have been. Which means, the extra income I was relying on to help him will no longer be.

I realize how ridiculous this may sound to most of y'all and I'm not asking because I want to. I'm asking now because I have to. I wouldn't wish this upon my worse enemies, as nobody deserves any of this. I have to question myself and wonder if what I'm doing is right and hope that in fact it is.

I appreciate you even taking the time to read this and to those who find it in their hearts to donate, there are no words to say how much I'm forever indebted to you.

Diana and Mattingly