Rather than preparing to celebrate her 54th birthday, my mom, Kelli VanDyke is spending this month coming to terms with a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis. On August 1st, she will undergo the first of two surgeries. Her doctors are unable to perform the full procedure at once due to a rare blood clotting disorder that makes recovery more complex. This means her healing journey will be longer and require even more care and caution.

She works hard throughout the school year supporting students, and spends her evenings and weekends cleaning homes and businesses to make ends meet. But as she faces surgery and treatment, she will be unable to work, and for the first time in years, she’ll need to rest.

We are reaching out for community support to best support her in this journey. If you can help with a meal, a grocery or meal card, or a contribution toward bills during this time, it would mean everything. Your support will help her focus on healing. If not financially, please consider praying for her healing and peace through this trying time, sending a letter with well wishes, or a friendly call or text to remind her she isn't alone in this fight.

Let’s surround her with the same care and dedication she gives so freely to others every day. Thank you for helping my mom feel the strength of her community behind her.