Hello, my name is Matthew Wierciak, and I’m writing this on behalf of my mom, Donna. She has endured more loss and hardship than most could ever imagine. Losing her son, her husband, her father, and now continuing a long battle with cancer. She was told she is in remission, but not cancer-free. With Stage IV Lymphoma, there is a high likelihood of recurrence, meaning she must continue ongoing treatments and monitoring to keep the cancer at bay for as long as possible. Yet through every storm, she has remained strong, resilient, and selfless. She has always been the one who gives, who carries others, who holds everyone together even when her own heart is breaking.

Five years ago, during one of the darkest seasons of her life, a GoFundMe was created by my wife, Cameron, along with our dear family friends, Sara Fluke and Maria McLennan. The love, generosity, and prayers from so many lifted her up in a time she could not have survived alone. She still speaks about that kindness with overwhelming gratitude. It reminded her that she was not alone, that people cared, that compassion still existed, and that hope was worth holding onto. We are forever thankful for every person who stood beside her then and continues to care for her today.

Since that time, my mom has continued fighting off the cancer with everything she has. Her treatments, specialist visits, scans, medications, hospital visits and basic needs have placed a heavy financial strain on her. Monthly treatments alone are $900 out of pocket, and after years of ongoing care, medical costs have climbed far beyond what she can manage on her own. She has tried so hard to shoulder it quietly, to stretch every resource, to find work, and to avoid asking for help but now, she needs it more than ever. The kindness of others is the reason she’s made it this far, and we are humbled to be reaching out again for support.

My mom has lived through more heartbreak than any person should. She lost her son my brother Michael at only 22. He was someone who made others feel loved, safe, and seen. His friends said he was the glue that held them together. Even after his passing, he continued giving through organ donation, helping over 75 people. That was who he was: selfless, caring, a light in this world. We miss him every single day.

Not long after losing Michael, my mom became the full-time caregiver for my dad. He battled kidney and coronary heart disease from the age of 28 and often fought serious infections. She performed his dialysis every night for six years seven nights a week while watching the love of her life slowly fade. When he became too sick to work, he lost his life insurance and the safety net she might have had. She cared for him faithfully, lovingly, until the very end. My loving Father, her wonderful husband passed away in April of 2020.

Then, as if grief hadn’t taken enough, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma. She was told by her medical team she is in remission but has been fighting like crazy to keep away a very aggressive Cancer that has a 90% chance of coming back even stronger. My Mom continues to fight. She wakes up every day with strength, courage, and love for the people around her. She continues to smile through pain, to offer kindness even when she is hurting. That is who she is.

My mom still lives in the home she raised us in a place filled with warmth, memories, laughter, and love. After everything she has lost, the thought of her losing her home too is more than our family can bear. She deserves peace. She deserves stability. She deserves to rest knowing she is supported just as she has supported so many throughout her life.

I am starting this GoFundMe to help with:

Anything truly anything makes a difference. A Prayer, a share, a message of love or a donation. We are grateful for all of it, and my mom is beyond appreciative for every person who has stood with her along the way. Your kindness has given her strength in moments she could not carry alone. She feels blessed, humbled, and deeply thankful for every heart that has helped her fight.

She has survived heartbreak after heartbreak, and she is still standing. She is strong, she is loving, and she is a fighter. She raised Megan, Michael, and me to lead with kindness, compassion, and faith and we love her more than words can express. Now, we hope to give her even a fraction of the love she has given to so many.

Thank you for reading her story, for caring, for sharing in her journey, and for helping us protect a woman who has spent her life protecting everyone else. Your support means more than you will ever know.

With love, gratitude, and hope,

Matthew

I love you, Mom always.