My name is Lisa Janelle Howe. Most of you know me as Nellie. I’ve been in the Bandera and Alpine, TX, area on and off for years. Most of you have experienced a great manicure and pedicure from me. And maybe even some nail art. I have worked in the beauty field since I was 16 years old. My husband and I also opened a candy and soda pop shop in Alpine, TX, and served the community with friendship and sweets. My husband and I sold the candy store one year ago to move back home (Bandera,tx) to be closer to my aging parents and be closer to my family.

I’m starting this GoFundMe because I found myself in a pickle. This last year I was noticing changes in my body and I just couldn’t overcome being exhausted all the time . I blamed this on being out of shape , I fought the thoughts of .. no , your just lazy. And continued to diet and exercise the best I could although eating clean has helped me lose 32 lbs. I still wasn’t feeling myself. I tried everything to give my body and mind the space it needed to except this change. But in the end I just couldn’t rally. So I broke down and went to the dr. I simply stated that, I’ve been, what I like to call, under the weather. Well, come to find out, I have colon cancer and have spent the past 8 days at Methodist Stone Oak in San Antonio. Were I have had several blood transfusions and surgery to remove the part of the lymph nodes and colon that has the mass, and now we are waiting on pathology to determine my cancer stage and what treatments are best for moving forward. This takes about a week. My mind wonders in and out about the unknown. The fear of it all. But My husband, children, friends and family have been the best support. I truly am grateful for the support and encouragement to stay optimistic. Unfortunately, I’m uninsured and struggling to wrap my head around all the medical bills, doctor appointments, treatments, and everyday expenses.

I thought long and hard about asking my friends, family, and community for help. This is such a challenge for me because I have been a strong, independent person my whole adult life. Some of you know I have been raised to know our Lord Jesus Christ, and I depend on Him to help with my mental well-being and health. He lifts my spirits and gives me peace in these complicated moments and throughout my life.

I pray this reaches all the people I have known for years, the people who know my heart, spirit, and courage. And if this reaches you and you don’t know me, I’m a 51-year-old happily married woman and so much more. I have beautiful children and an amazing family. I deeply care for family, friends, animals, nature, art, and most of all, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I realize the world is struggling and funds are tight for most I know. So if all you can do is send a hug , your prayers or even a smile, that will lift my heart just the same. But if you can do more to help ease the financial stress of it all, my appreciation and love goes out to you and yours.