Please Help Mom Fight Rare Cancer Again & A Glossectomy.

I created this GoFundMe a couple of weeks ago and after much prayer and consideration, I now feel that publishing this is the right decision.

Anyone who knows our mom knows that she is always doing what she can to help others. She is known as a Dedicated Advocate and Volunteer. For the past 9 years, she has devoted her time to assisting and uplifting children and adults facing terminal illnesses by planning and implementing programs, organizing and executing events and recruiting, training, and supervising program volunteers, as well as facilitating community outreach and communication efforts. During her prior work history with both UT Medical Center and Children's Hospital, she had a portion of each paycheck taken out to go directly to non-profit organizations. Then as owner of the restaurant in Florida, she and Bryce would feed those who didn't have a meal or money to get one. She has also founded 2 nonprofit organizations. Her love for children didn't end with her job at Children's Hospital, it continued through her support to St Jude's and by sending a monthly donation to PBS Kids.

That's why we feel the need to come together and do what we can for her at this difficult time.

She was previously diagnosed with Stage 4 Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Triple Negative is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer. It differs from other types of invasive breast cancer in that it grows and spreads faster, has fewer treatment options and tends to have a worse prognosis. She immediately put her battle in God's hands and despite the life-threatening prognosis, she overcame her battle.

On May 21, 2025, she would be told those 3 life changing words once again......"You have cancer". No one expected the biopsy to be malignant; let alone the type of cancer she has now been diagnosed with. She has been diagnosed with a very rare salivary gland cancer. We have been advised that this cancer is only 1% of all cancers diagnosed. Her Oncologist has advised her that this cancer is a result of the radiation treatment she received for breast cancer.

The treatment plan for this cancer will start with a partial Glossectomy. A Glossectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the tongue. It is an incredibly painful procedure. Eating and swallowing can be pure agony. The surgery will also influence her speech. A speech and language pathologist will be needed to assist with re-learning how to speak and swallow properly following the Glossectomy. Eating after a partial glossectomy may not be possible for a while following surgery. The Surgical Oncologist may need to insert a feeding tube either directly to the stomach (gastric tube) or through the nose to the stomach (nasogastric tube), until swelling in the throat subsides.

In addition to the Glossectomy, she may be having a 2nd procedure done during the same surgery to limit the number of surgical procedures. This surgery would be a Neck Dissection. This surgical procedure will remove lymph nodes and surrounding tissues in her neck. Following surgery, she would wear a drain in her neck to drain any excess blood or other liquids that can cause complications. The drain will also reduce the risk of infection.

Despite all that she is going through, she is still her happy, positive self. She remains letting her faith outweigh her fears. When others ask her how she can be so happy despite this difficult journey, she reminds everyone how the pain and sicknesses we all have are a reminder that we are blessed to be alive and still have a chance of life unlike so many others.

Although her insurance will cover a portion of the above-mentioned medical costs, it is only a small amount compared to the total of just this one procedure and post op care. In addition to the surgeries, therapy, and treatments, there are the added expenses of pre and post scans, travel to and from treatment facilities, and other related costs. Any amount that you are able to donate would be greatly appreciated. And more importantly your prayers are the most meaningful and most needed request.

Thank you for your time and consideration.