Please help support Maria's cancer expenses

Hello family and friend

My family and I found out on January 23rd, 2024, that my mom has a tumor in her mouth. Due to the location of the cancer, it is considered Stage 4 and will need to have surgery. Surgery is the best form of treatment right now. The surgery is set for March 4th, 2024, at UCLA. Since the news, we have been back and forth to UCLA for the tests. The surgery is called a mandibulectomy and free flap reconstruction, where they remove part of your jaw. They will rebuild her jaw using another part of her body (rib or fibula bone). They will also do a skin graft (top layer of skin removed) to cover the surgical site. The surgery, in total, can take up to 12 hours. The cancer has not yet spread, but further tests must be done. The PET/CT scans found nodules in her lung and thyroid, and she will need additional testing after surgery.

My mom, Maria, is one of the strongest people I know. For so long, she has been dealt with a card of being ill (lupus and end-stage renal disease), and through it all, she gets up, goes to work, and does what she can to move forward and be here on earth with her loved ones. She is the most generous person and always gives to others even when she has nothing. So, I am asking for your help to help my mom get through these next several months and not be stressed due to her finances.

My mother has 5 children and 4 grandchildren. She loves spending as much time with her grandchildren and loved ones when she feels well and does not have dialysis (4x a week). Her primary job is caring for others as a certified nursing assistant at a Skilled nursing facility in Santa Barbara. As of this month, she is not working and is on medical leave. My mom's insurance will help cover some of her treatment expenses. We hope to get help with the financial burden we may face while she cannot work. Such as living expenses during her treatment and recovery (ex., rent, hotel, gas, caregivers, and other out-of-pocket costs for at least 6 months)

My mom, myself, and everyone who loves her would be grateful for any funds you could contribute to help cover her medical and life expenses. If you cannot contribute financially, we would appreciate your thinking of her and sharing her GoFundMe. I really appreciate any help you can provide.