My name is Jen.  I am an only child of a single mother who left her abuser, my father, when I was only 4 to provide me an enviroment free of violence.  This is the first sacrifice of many I remember her making for my happiness.  Whether it was foregoing new shoes for herself so I could have new school clothes, or not resting when I was sick to make sure I had medicine and Gatorade, I could not ask for a better mother. She always worked a full time job, and often a second to keep up with bills and provide for me. My alcoholic father passed away when I was 14 and, with no siblings, my mother is my only direct bloodline.

A year ago I rushed my mom to the hospital because of her lack of eating, weight loss and inability to keep food down, although she was not eating.  Through the 3 day stay, it was concluded her pancreas was not functioning properly and she had to see a surgeon.  The surgeon's suggestion, due to the "malfunction" of the pancreas was to remove it, although this would cause her to be diabetic.  He said this would be easier than coming in for check-ups and scans every 6 months and her life should return to normal.  She, of course, had the surgery. 

Following this, a six month regigme of chemotherapy and radiation was prescribed, although the word cancer was never used for her diagnosis. She complied and felt fine.

She had to continually go back for follow up treatment and scans per "routine" and to our surprise, a mass was found in her abdomen.  Through further scans and testing it was shown she had abdominal cancer, for which chemotherapy can buy time but ultimately there is no cure.  

I always said to myself, "when I finish school I will make enough money to buy my mom everything she deserves in life and she will never have to work again". I am no longer afforded the luxury of time and buying her "things" seems so trivial.  At this point, all I want is memories with my mother and to stop putting off "what can be done tomorrow" because tomorrow will eventually run out.

I work a decent paying job that allows me to pay my bills and rent, have food, and treat myself every once in a while.  I am just unable to save enough money in a short time to afford to take my mother on all the trips I want, mainly San Francisco, a dream of hers.  I have started this GoFundMe page to ask all of you to help me raise enough money to take a short trip with her in less than a month.  Even a small donation will make a big difference! I am only asking for the money to cover the rental car, hotel, and round trip flights for both of us. I appreciate you reading my story and any donation that you can make!