Fighting Cancer: A Mom in Need

I'm starting this GoFundMe for Amanda—an incredible single mother of three—who is now facing one of the toughest battles of her life: a recent cancer diagnosis. Over the years, Amanda has been a loving and selfless presence for many families in our community. She's not only cared for her own children but has also opened her heart and home to babysit countless others, including mine. Now it’s our turn to show up for her.

A few months ago, Amanda began experiencing complications and went in for routine bloodwork. Here’s what she shared about what followed:

"My thyroid levels came back high on a blood test, so they did further testing and discovered an abnormal nodule on my thyroid. A biopsy confirmed it was cancerous. Ultrasounds also showed abnormalities in both my right and left lymph nodes, and those are being tested now. The diagnosis is Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma, and they found the nodule on the left thyroid to be cancerous. A CT scan is being done to determine if it has spread to my lymph nodes."

Amanda is now preparing for surgery to remove the cancerous areas and facing an unknown path ahead with more testing, recovery time, and the emotional and financial toll that comes with it. As a single mom, the downtime from work, medical expenses, and daily responsibilities are overwhelming. We’re hoping to ease some of that burden so Amanda can focus on healing and being there for her kids without the added stress of finances.

She didn't ask for help, but I felt like she needed it. Any amount you can give—whether it's $5 or $50—means the world. If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this with your network and keeping Amanda and her family in your prayers.

Let’s rally around Amanda like she’s done for so many of us.

With love and gratitude,

Leanna Pledger