Can you imagine having $0 in your bank account, and not having the money for medication that your mom needs to keep breathing? Despite making every effort, this is the situation our family finds ourselves in now.

I live with my mom, Lisa. A few weeks ago she was walking to work and felt numbness in her chest. She went to the emergency room and was referred to a specialist. The results were frightening. She found out that she has a hole in her lungs - the result of emphysema and bronchitis. The diagnosis is Stage 2 Interstitial Lung Disease.

She has taken the difficult step of stopping smoking cold turkey.  We have hope that with medicine and treatment, her lungs will heal.

She is currently on oxygen and several prescription drugs for smoking cessation, pain / inflammation, and lung function.

Even with insurance, the monthly cost is over $2000.

Monthly costs come out to:
* $325.00 - Pain meds
* $800.00 - Smoking cessation meds
* $75.00 - Oxygen supplies (medicated hose)
* $26.00 - Nicotine Patches
* $110.00 - Buproprion
* $347.00 - Special Inhaler (no generic available)
* $550.00 - In-Office Lung Treatment

Totaling $2,233.00 per month.

We are also behind on rent and other bills.

My mom is currently on disability leave from Walmart where she manages the garden center. Unfortunately, Walmart has delayed or reduced many of her checks, and even with disability the cost of medicine and treatment is beyond our family's ability to pay. I lost my job early in the pandemic and have been driving Postmates, cleaning homes, and applying for other jobs.

We need the funds as soon as possible to continue treatment. While the odds of successful treatment are unsure, if she doesn't get the treatment she won't be able to survive much longer.

I am her daughter - 25 years old - and we are struggling to support my mother. My brother Amari (18) is graduating high school soon and depends on us as well.

We need funds immediately to continue her treatment. My mom can't help but stress about money, which isn't helping her condition.

We have done our best to find discounted treatment and other support options - if you can help with this, please reach out. If you can help us organize our medical care, please reach out - it is difficult for me to care for my mother when I am also working to support our family.

I also clean homes and would welcome your business.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Our family is grateful for whatever help you can give.

With faith and love,

- Lisa, Jalisa and Amari