Hello, my name is Samantha Cornett. I am raising money on behalf of a friend of mine Denise Dedrickson (Mitchell). I have known Denise for nearly 4 years now. She is a very kind and caring person who just needs a little help in a difficult situation.

Denise (Dee) is a loving 35-year-old mother of 4 daughters ages 3-13. Dee has devoted her adulthood to childraising and is committed to her girls. She home-schools them and practices gentle and engaged parenting.

Dee and her long-term companion Michael Mitchell are both hard-working and caring individuals. We met and she has given me so much strength and support in my life. When I bought my home she was there helping me pack, clean and move with no expectations in return. Another time, I left for a couple of months and she graciously offered to care for my animals and home. After I broke my ankle while my husband was deployed she offered to help drive me and the children around. When my dog broke the fence after the 4th of July and I still had a cast on my foot it was Dee and Mike who came with an army to help me fix it and contain my dogs. When I wanted to redo my floor Dee came and help me when I messed up. During covid my ankle was broken Dee went out of her way to check on the kids and me. When my baby came 2 months early Dee and Mike helped us and our other children.

Dee had been quite sick recently and has been in excruciating pain forcing her to be mostly bedbound. Recently she has been seen by doctors who discovered a large mass in her uterus. They had planned for a hysterectomy, but needed a biopsy first. Biopsy confirmed the mass is indeed cervical cancer and also revealed that she is in late stage 3.

Denise is scheduled to start chemotherapy this month There are many things I am learning about this process with my dear friend. One important thing I've learned is that chemotherapy is radiation, but not just for the person. The person going through treatment cannot share bodily fluids with other family members thus she will need a separate place with her own bathroom. A hotel would be the best case option. She is looking for help funding this. The hospital has limited overnight stays available during treatment and will not approve it for anyone who receives state funded Healthcare. Additionally, Dee will be receiving her treatment for 5 weeks. This will be about an hour and a half away from her home (in good traffic) due to the nature of the chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she will need to stay closer to City of Hope Hospital.

I'm asking for help for their family. Denise gives all of herself for others to help and support. Now Denise is battling cancer and she needs support to be able to fight this and be there for her girls. They need help with lodging and hopefully, some funds to relieve pressure on Mike having to work extra to support them and provide for the treatments.

In addition to lodging during treatment, Denise and Mike need help paying bills during this time. Due to the appointment schedule, Mike has missed several paid work days and their finances are taking a toll.

Thank you all for your support thus far.