April 20th 2020 is a date that unfortunately my family will never be able to forget. After going to the hospital due to a blood clot 2 weeks prior we got the results of a biopsy that came back saying that my mother, Luisa Reyes, has pancreatic cancer on top of already having to live with Crohn’s disease. Since that day my mom has actively been in and out of UC Medical for Chemotherapy every other week while also working a full time job.

Fall 2021 my dad, Shane Devlin, had developed a chronic pain in his foot that later turned into a double bypass surgery for blockages in his ephemeral aeries in both his thighs on November 3rd 2021. My dad as soon as he was able was back on his feet and working as much as his body would allow him after a very significant surgery that him with a scar from his groin to the top of his stomach.

For those of you have met my dad you’d know he’s an incredibly hard worker, a great cook, and will always make sure those around him are taken care of before taking care of himself. Selfless and willing to sacrifice his own body to make sure my mom and myself are taken care of. I’m extremely thankful and proud to have my dad be who he is.

For those of you who have ever met my mom you can never forget her. Truly one of the best people you’ll ever meet and a joy to be around in any situation. She’s unapologetically herself and anyone who’s ever met her would know the same. I’m very lucky to call this women my mom.

As a family that has almost always lived check to check, time and terrible circumstances have left us with over $100,000 in medical bills and a difficult time keeping up with our home bills as well. With property taxes, propane to keep our house warm in the winter, car problems that have limited us to sharing cars to work, and water pump issues it seems we’re constantly fighting and preparing to fix the next thing that’s bound to go wrong. I’m a firm believer that everything can eventually just work itself out but I’m afraid we’re in a position where we need some assistance. I know especially nowadays with inflation and rising cost for things nationwide money is difficult to come by, but any amount contributed to lessen the financial burden would be appreciated beyond words. If you’re in a position where you’re not able to help financially, sharing this post wherever you can helps just as much. Any money raised from this will be going directly towards medical bills and expenses to help us get to a position where we won’t have to worry if we’ll have a car to get to work or water to shower with when we get home.