Stand with Tamra in the fight of her life.

Many of you already know my cousin, Tamra Benfield, and the unbearable tragedies that life has thrown in her path. For those of you who don't, I would like to introduce you to her.

Tamra is the sweetest, most kind, and gentle soul you would ever have the pleasure of meeting. She has always gone out of her way to take care of others while putting herself, her life, and her needs aside. She's suffered more hardships and heartbreaks than one should ever have to endure, yet she always seems to persevere and ready herself to help the next person or animal in need. First, she lost her father, then her husband and the father of their three beautiful children. Next was her mother, who lived with her and she took care of, and then suddenly and tragically, her oldest son Shane passed away. Although inconsolable and distraught, she made the selfless decision to become guardian of his young children, her grandchildren. Then a few years later, tragedy struck again when her youngest son, Wesley, was senselessly killed. She has survived this devastation only through her faith in God and the love and support of her beautiful daughter, Lacie, along with her thirteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Her faith in God has always been her guiding strength, and when she can't pick herself up, she trusts God to carry her through the heartache.

Life is now throwing another burden in her path. A few weeks ago, Tamra was diagnosed with Stage Three Lung Cancer. (FYI, she does not smoke). Her oncologist has insisted that she quit her job so she can focus her attention on her health. She is scheduled to begin a series of radiation and chemotherapy treatments next week. Without her income, it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for her to manage her health. It is proven that stress is the most harmful destroyer of your immune system, so if we can help her to alleviate the financial burden, this will allow her to focus her energies and attention on healing.

I know that times are difficult for so many right now, but please, just for a moment, put yourself in her place and feel the compassion in your heart to help her as much as you possibly can. No one should ever have to endure so much heartache in their lifetime. Please send her a message to tell her that she's not alone in this fight for her life, and that whether you are family, a friend, or a complete stranger, you feel her in your heart.

I promise, she would do this for you.

Thank you from the bottom and top of my heart!

Penny