Mom's Kicking Cancer Fund

My Mom Deborah has breast cancer, and that's not cool.  She found out recently that she had a lump in her breast that was cancerous, as well as some cancerous cells beyond the border of the tumor. She went through the procedure to test and then remove the tumor, and was given a relatively good prognosis, considering that she has cancer. She has a good attitude, and takes care of herself physically and mentally. I know she will recover and have a long, full life after she gets past this time of treatment. How do I know this? Because she's a badass, and she's my Mom.
I'm determined to help her thrive, despite that I live 1,000 miles away. How can I do this? One way is to raise money on her behalf!

For the next nine months, Deb is undergoing chemotherapy treatments at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, in Hanover NH. This is a weekly ritual where she drives 2 hours round trip, then stays several hours to receive treatment. Following an initial 12-week course of chemo, she will be getting radiation daily for 6 weeks, and then more chemo for several months. If all goes according to plan, she should be done with all of this by next October. In addition to knocking out the cancer with chemotherapy, Mom is receiving "cold cap" treatments during this stage of her chemo, which are refrigerated hats that help keep her hair from falling out (a well-known side-effect of this kind of chemotherapy). Mom is taking all of this in stride, and I'm proud of her mental resilience. 
 
My mom has been working as a substitute teacher in several elementary schools in her area, working mainly with special needs children. This work requires an unusual amount of energy, compassion, decisiveness, and clarity, as well as a robust immune system.

Because of the treatments, and her run down feeling as a result of the heavy chemicals in her system, Mom has been unable to work as much as she needs to cover her mortgage and expenses that include mortgage payments, transportation expenses, food, and utilities. Mom's mortgage is $900 per month (when I originally posted this, I thought it was $700), and she also has higher energy bills in the winter, because she needs to keep her house heated with a combination of wood and oil. I am hoping to raise money to help her take care of some living expenses during the next 9 months, while she is receiving treatment, and recovering.

If you know Deb Noble personally, whether as a friend or family member, you know her energy, quirkiness, love of nature (especially if she's got a pair of skis on), and her general plucky attitude. She's approaching this challenge of cancer with a similar outspoken optimism, but it is definitely hard for her, especially when it comes to juggling her responsibilites, self-care, and treatment regimen. I want to see what we can do to help ease the burden that is becoming more urgent as she gets deeper into her cancer treatment. 

I am so grateful to the love and support that already make a difference in Mom's journey to kick cancer: First, my sister, Bryna, who lives close by, gives much time and energy to helping my mom through this. Bryna spends every Friday, instead of working her job at a local restaurant, driving and assisting Mom during her treatments in Hanover. This begins before dawn, and ends after dinnertime. Our family friend Ann is also generously helping out with these treatment days. Our intrepid cat, Clementine, warms Mom's feet at night, and keeps her company while she rests. I am grateful for the help and moral support of other friends and loved ones, close and distant, as well.

Will you help my Mom by donating any amount to this campaign? I hope you can help, and that you feel the warmth that flows into the heart of those who are generous. THANK YOU!

OTHER WAYS you can help:

KEEP MOM WARM this winter:
-Buy her 1-2 cords of dry, split firewood from any vendor in her area (let me know, and I'll arrange for delivery)
-Pay her oil and gas company directly as a sponsor to fund her heating oil and cooking gas. If you'd like to directly sponsor her heating oil, you can donate directly toward keeping her warm this winter. Checks made out to CN BROWN with the memo "SPONSORING DEBORAH NOBLE IN CONCORD, VT ACCT #45405 can be sent to C.N. Brown Heating Oil, 280 Portland Street, Saint Johnsbury, VT 05819. Or, you can call (802) [phone redacted], and pay by phone using the info above. OR, contact them through their website (but I would suggest calling or mailing a check!) THANK YOU!

FOOD
-Buy her gift cards at the local Price Chopper or White's Market supermarkets to help with food. (Mom's address upon request)

BOOKS, care packages, cards
-Send her any good (used is fine) books you think she might like. She is a voracious reader, and especially loves mysteries, historical nonfiction, memoirs, and nature writing. All mail for my mom can be sent to Deborah Noble PO BOX 106 Concord Vermont, 05824

CAT FOOD
-Give her Chewy.com credit to help pay for Clementine's cat food 
 
FRIENDLINESS
-The simple gift of friendliness is the greatest gift: reach out to my Mom, and let her know you're thinking of her. Or go over to her house and drink tea with her. She loves tea and relaxation with good company.

MANY THANKS, AND WARM HOLIDAY BLESSINGS!