Hello, my name is Nicole.

Earlier this month, my mom, Shirley, was hospitalized after experiencing dizziness, a rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Bloodwork revealed that she was critically low on blood, which led doctors to perform an emergency endoscopy. That’s when they discovered a large tumor in and around her stomach. She required two pints of blood and remained hospitalized for a week while awaiting biopsy results.

About 10 days later, we received the devastating news: she has cancer. At first, doctors couldn’t determine exactly where it originated due to the size of the tumor. After receiving different possibilities and no clear answers, we decided to seek care at Sloan Kettering for a definitive diagnosis.

Yesterday, we learned the cancer has spread to her stomach, duodenum, bile duct, and pancreas. My mom has chosen to undergo the Whipple procedure on October 3rd at Sloan to remove as much of the cancer as possible. It will be a long 6–8 hour surgery, followed by an extensive recovery and then chemotherapy.

Anyone who knows my mom knows how much she has endured these past few years. Two years ago, she was hospitalized with severe, unexplained migraines that caused temporary cognitive decline, leaving her unable to care for herself. Through strength and determination, she overcame that battle. Now, she faces this new fight.

Through it all, her husband, Jaime—who has battled esophageal cancer himself—has been her rock, caring for her every step of the way.

I am asking for donations to help with medical expenses, travel costs to New York City, missed work while I care for my mom, and nutritional supplements to support her healing. Right now, she weighs just 103 lbs and struggles to eat due to the severity of her pain.

Any contribution, big or small, means the world to us. If you are unable to give, I humbly ask for your prayers as my mom faces this incredibly difficult journey.

With gratitude,

Nicole