Help Me Support My Mama’s Courageous Journey

I would like to introduce you to one of the most beautiful women and gentle souls to ever walk this Earth. My mother, Paula Bayer, who passed away on November 30th at 9:15am PST. She was a courageous woman who tirelessly battled metastasized colon cancer for nearly 7 years. I was present for all of her treatments and was with her at countless doctor appointments. During the last 2 years of her life, mama, dad and Brian moved in with me full time as she made her final stand against the cancer. She knew I could care for them when she needed it most and she bestowed the greatest blessing by trusting me with her care. I spent the last week of her life guiding her through the world of darkness and pain into brilliant light. I held her hand on her final day and played her favorite song November Rain. I shared my favorite memories of us at the beach. I whispered to her that anytime I am lonely I will go down to Huntington Beach and walk down the handicap path and sit on the edge and know that she is with me. I told her that she would soon walk again in the sand free of pain and full of love. She took her last breath as I shared a memory of my dad at the beach with her. It was peaceful, it was without pain and it is a beautiful memory I will hold in my heart forever.

The one thing I can say about my mother, is that no matter what she faced, she faced it with a beautiful smile on her face, grit in her heart and the most courage I’ve ever witnessed in a human being. She never felt sorry for herself, she never wanted attention, and I was humbled that she let me document her cancer journey through social media channels. I would always post photos of us at treatments. I would always share what she was experiencing. Her story was a pebble that created a ripple in the pond of life. Her story impacted thousands and she changed the life of every person she met effortlessly and simply by being who she was.

Mama, there are no words for how deep my love is for you. I am the woman I am today because of you and dad and your continual love and guidance. As I whispered the morning you passed, go before mama and make the way. When my time comes open the gates of heaven for me.

Today I’m asking for help raising funds to cover her funeral costs. Mama is ready to be laid to rest in peace and to be welcomed home. Any size donation is welcomed and prayers are always appreciated. On behalf of my mama and my family, thank you from the bottom of my heart.