Help Deva Beat Cancer

Dear Friends, Family, and Kind Souls,

In a moment filled with uncertainty, we reach out to you with a heartfelt request to help turn this period into a confident journey toward recovery for a truly remarkable individual — Deva Smith. Deva has been a phenomenal force of nature, overcoming a lifetime of adversity to serve as the matriarch of not only the Smith family but also to countless others who have benefitted from her unwavering time, patience, wisdom, energy, and financial support. Now, it is our time, our opportunity, to reciprocate that love, compassion, and selfless dedication she has always shown to others.

Deva Smith is a soldier of God, instinctively transforming adversity into strength and standing as a pillar of leadership and hope in the face of challenges. This trial is not just a test of her incredible resilience but also a reflection of our collective spirit and the strength of our community, which has been so profoundly touched by her boundless love and generosity. Today, with hearts heavy yet bolstered by hope, we share with you Deva's courageous battle.

In January 2021, a health concern escalated alarmingly when Deva was urgently admitted to Marshall Hospital’s Emergency Room with severe breathing difficulties. That night, our lives were forever changed by the diagnosis of stage 4 sarcoma cancer. Despite the shock, Deva faced her new reality with incredible strength. By March 2021, she had undergone significant lung surgery, followed by another operation in April to remove a large tumor from her thigh, both requiring her to travel far from her home, her seven beloved children, and Hangtown Body Shop — the business she passionately runs with her husband, Steven Smith.

Throughout these trials, Deva's spirit has remained unbroken. Even amidst her treatments and recovery, she has continued to extend her support and uplift those around her. However, the financial strain from lost income and mounting medical bills has presented relentless challenges. In December 2023, we were confronted with further distress when scans revealed a new tumor pressing against her heart and another cluster in her upper abdomen, necessitating more surgery.

Deva has devoted her life to prioritizing the wellbeing of others over her own, giving tirelessly and lovingly without expectation. Today, she finds herself in need of our support. We kindly ask for your help in raising funds to cover Deva's medical expenses, lost income, and to ensure her family can be by her side during this critical time, including the need for hotel accommodations to ensure she is never alone.

Any contribution, regardless of size, will be immensely appreciated and will significantly ease the burden on Deva and her family during this challenging time. Let us unite to support Deva with not just financial assistance but also the collective strength and care of our community.

Thank you for your time consideration. May your kindness and generosity be returned to you tenfold.

To support Deva and her family, please consider donating through the following:

Deva’s Venmo - https://venmo.com/u/deva0143

Deva’s Cashapp - $DevaSmith

Your support means everything to us and to Deva during this incredibly difficult time. We are profoundly grateful for any assistance you can provide.

With heartfelt thanks,

The Smith Family