Hi, I’m Alfred. I’m a dachshund, professional cuddle buddy, Head of Emotional Support and my mom’s very serious Chief Recovery Supervisor. (It’s a big job for a little dog, but somebody has to do it.)

If you've followed my mom's adventures over the years, you know she usually shares the joyful moments she spends with me and my siblings—Dylan, Jaiden, and Luscienne. Whether she’s hiking Montana trails, traveling, gardening, or squeezing in as many family adventures as possible, those moments have always been at the heart of her story.

Lately, though, many of those adventures have been put on hold because she hasn't been feeling like herself.

I don't think she ever imagined she'd be sharing something like this. She's the kind of person who's always there for others and the last person to ask for anything in return. That's why I'm borrowing her voice today—because she never would.

Over the past couple years, an enormous mass silently grew inside her abdomen. Today, it measures approximately 23 x 22 x 16 centimeters – about the size of her a basketball – and occupies much of her abdomen.

It presses against her organs every day, causing significant pain, and making even the simplest things like walking, sleeping and getting comfortable incredibly difficult.

In a few weeks, she’ll undergo major open abdominal surgery. Her gynecologic oncologist plans to remove the mass intact, along with her uterus, cervix, the affected ovary (or ovaries), and repair a hernia. Because of its size, doctors haven't been able to determine exactly where the mass originated or whether it has affected any surrounding organs. During surgery, specialists will examine the mass immediately to determine whether it’s benign, borderline or cancerous. Until then, we’re living with the unknown.

Regardless of the outcome, this will be a long and difficult recovery. Between medical bills, time away from work, and expenses that her short-term insurance won't fully cover because this condition existed before her coverage began, the financial burden will be significant.

If the pathology results reveal cancer, some additional treatment may be covered. Right now, however, we're preparing for medical expenses, lost income during recovery, travel for care, and everyday living costs that lie ahead.

If you know my mom, then you know asking for help has never come easily to her. She's fiercely independent and has always tried to face life's challenges on her own. But this is one time when she truly could use the love and support of her family, friends, and community.

Our hope is simple: that after surgery, she can return to the life she loves—laughing with her children, hiking Montana trails, tending to her garden, traveling, and, most importantly, feeling healthy and like herself again.

As for me…I’ll be supervising every nap, inspecting every blanket, reminding her not to overdo it, and providing unlimited cuddles on demand. Recovery is a serious business, and I’m taking my job very seriously.

If you're able to donate, no matter the amount, our family would be incredibly grateful. If donating isn't possible, sharing this page, saying a prayer, or simply keeping Jen in your thoughts would mean the world to us.

Every act of kindness helps lighten the burden so Mom can focus on what matters most—healing.

Thank you for helping my favorite human through the biggest fight of her life. I can't wait for the day she's back on the trails, in the garden, and smiling the way she always has. I’m ready to have my adventure buddy back! Until then, I'll be right by her side, doing what dachshunds do best: loving her with my whole heart.

With tiny paws and a very big heart,

Alfred