Stand With Us: Bio Mom's Cancer Fight

As an adoptee, I've spent my life dreaming of the many life histories that may have led to the current moment. What were my ancestors like? Did they look like me? Did they sound like me? Are they as warm as I've always dreamed them to be? Maybe I got my smile, my stubbornness, or penchant for writing music from them. Had I known them early, maybe all of the mysterious things that make me who I am would have been obvious to all.

Right at the end of 2019, I decided I needed to go on a journey to find out. Many years led up to the moment I actually decided to search. I owe so much to the adoptee communities that paved the way for me, sharing the triumph, the tragedy, and pitfalls of their incredibly powerful and vulnerable lived experiences. My search for my bio family was no exception in this regard. But after multiple wrong turns, dead ends, and disappointments... It happened... ...I found them... In late January of this year, I entered reunion with my bio mom and sis and started experiencing all of the nuances, gifts, and complexities that come with it.

Fast forward to about 3 weeks ago, with a trip already planned for Colombia in August, I got the very heartbreaking news that my bio mom had been hospitalized and needed immediate surgery. One of her bile ducts had become inflamed and obstructed and needed to be stented and further assessed. Then the worst news came. After further testing by specialists, bio mom was diagnosed as having a Klatskin Tumor. This, we were told, is a particularly rare and often aggressive form of cancer that affects the biliary duct and the liver. Which brings me to my ask for today for this fundraiser. We are still waiting for information on what her treatment options will be and whether the tumor will be operable or not. Regardless of these details, what is clear is that she will need extensive care, tailored nutritional assessment with high-quality meals, high-quality CAM therapies, and other unforeseen or uncovered healthcare costs for this very rare cancer. Your support in this matter, whether it’s through a donation or by spreading this campaign far and wide, will be accepted with my deepest heartfelt appreciation. Thank you for supporting me on my familial journey ❤️