This fundraiser is to help with medical expenses and basic necessities for an amazing friend, a wonderful nurse who spent her life taking care of people, a faithful devoted wife, and a mother who tirelessly worked to raise her children and give them the best life possible after losing her husband. Last year, while still working as a bedside nurse at the age of 77, Mary was diagnosed with cancer after being rushed to the hospital one night after her shift. Life-saving emergency surgery was performed within 24 hours, but no one knew the year of hospitalization, rehabs, therapy, complications, and fight she had ahead of her. With unwavering faith and strength, she has bravely fought to get better and have the chance to watch her most cherished grandchildren grow up. Finally home, she still has a long road of recovery ahead, and now being unable to work, the medical expenses and cost of living are becoming overwhelming as well as impossible to keep up with.

She grew up in Brooklyn. Her dad died when she was only 10. Her family did not have much, and they lived in an attic apartment with only two rooms. Her mom had a stroke when she was 11, and she took care of her with the help of her two aunts when they could come over. She would go to school, come home, and do what needed to be done. When she graduated from high school, she worked at the telephone company, taking the bus and subway every day to make ends meet.

She met Bill, her husband, and started a family of her own. He was a Marine who had been shot twice in Vietnam. When he came home from the war, he became a fireman in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Mary became a nurse after having 4 kids at the age of 32. One of her sons was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, and her youngest daughter had Kawasaki disease and almost died at age 5. Her husband died suddenly at 45, and she had to work two jobs to raise her children. She never thought their love story would end so soon and often speaks of the hardworking, kind man he was that she loves and misses so much. Life has not been easy, but in spite of all the hardships and struggle, Mary remained hopeful and she is such a caring, generous person. Often caring for others, and neglecting her own needs.

I know times are hard for everyone right now, but if you can find it in your heart to help Mary on her road to recovery, any donation would be greatly appreciated. Mary has spent her life in the service of others. She is a kind and beautiful soul. Please consider being a part of this fundraiser for her to help lighten the burden of expenses she is facing while fighting to heal and be independent again.

Thank you so very much!