If you happen to know me personally,  then you already know my daughter, Penny Simpson - strong, resilient, and independent. Like me, Penny likes to help people. Never in a million years would I have thought I would be here today asking for someone else`s help, for her, or any of my children. As parents, we think they are invincible, but then life smacks you in the face, literally, and reminds you they are not.  This year has hit my family like a Mack truck.

In late January, my daughter called me to let me know she was being tested for breast cancer. A few days later, I was rushing home to be with her after getting the news that the results were positive. She also found out through her gastroenterologist, that she was dealing with an intestinal illness. She had a hard time keeping anything down. When I got here, she was so sick, she couldn't even sleep a full two hours at night without waking up in a panic and in excruciating pain. Penny already deals with anxiety and panic attacks from childhood trauma and since her divorce last year, she has been living alone. Receiving this news couldn't have been worse for her.

Then on March 16, she received the results of her final biopsy, Hormone positive breast, HER2- cancer.  We have been told her prognosis is good and her cancer is treatable, but she has a long road ahead of her. We are and will remain positive, no matter what. We spent that day together in shock and then on that same night, no matter what happened. I received a call from my youngest daughter, letting me know that the house she rented burned in a fire. She lost all her belongings and all four of the beloved pets in her home. One of those pets was Penny's furbaby, Riley. What happened to my youngest daughter is just as devastating, but she has so many good people that have helped her through this sad time. I am so  heartbroken for her, but so grateful for the help she received. Then of course COVID-19 also happened, leaving my daughter Penny without someone to go into her appointments and treatments with, unable to be with her sisters for support, and without any visitors at home. I thank God for her friends and family who have been able to keep in touch with her by phone, greeting cards, and Facebook. We are so grateful for each and every-one! ❤ 

Since being here with my daughter, I have been able to help her by cooking, cleaning, laundry, driving to tons of appointments, shopping, and personal care needs as necessary. We are told her current treatment regimen will last at least 6 months.  She will need chemotherapy, radiation,  expensive medications, and reconstruction surgery. I have helped her out financially to the best of my abilities. I left my job and went on FMLA and have since exhausted my husband and mine's savings.  I personally have no income. My husband supports our home solely with his income. We will be okay, but by being here I have since  come to learn about my daughter Penny's own finances.  The small amount of income  she receives right now and what is left in her savings will only take her to June 1st this year and at that same time her lease will expire.  She is covering what she can with credit.  In June, I expect my daughter to be in the middle of her chemotherapy treatments and unable to make a move at that time. Her wish is to remain here if she can. She has the best that health care can give her right here and I do not want to take her out of her home where she feels safe and secure.  I am fearful for her. She needs more help than we can give her.

In order for her to be able to afford her medical payments and housing costs, she will need much more than she has. This is a humbling experience, but my daughter Penny has lost so much this year. I can't watch her lose her home too, especially when she needs to be here safe and comfortable during her illness and medical treatments. In order to help my daughter with her medical bills and housing, we are humbly asking for help from family, friends, and the community. No donation is too small and any help will be greatly appreciated. All funds will be deposited to an account in my daughter's name where she will be able to use the funds as she needs them.  I know my daughter, some day when she is able, she WILL pay this forward. That is just who she is. And from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all so much. ❤

P.S.  If you have the gift of prayer, please pray not only for my daughter, but for all families who are going through such a difficult similar time in their lives. We all need strength, hope, and love in our lives. It is my prayer that your donations will help give my daughter hope and allow her to know that all is not lost, and I pray for all mother's and their children who are ill during this crisis that they find peace and comfort knowing that God will carry them through and some day "This too shall pass". God Bless you and Thank You.