The kindest, hardest working, most currently challenged friend I know is experiencing extreme (and unexpected) financial and medical distress, as well as the loss of her beloved 14 year old dog, Krispy.

If any of you personally know Serena, most would think "saint" or "angel" would be an apt description. A single mother and army vet, she's held an array of jobs- full-time certified medical assistant, (fighting insurance and pharmaceutical companies) phlebotomist (while raising her family in the Olympia area) Home Depot, a concrete construction company employee etc. She moved to Sequim (with her children) six years ago, and made another career choice. One that would advocate for and serve the sick and dying of Clallam County. The one she cherished and loved most of all...becoming a certified caregiver that specializes in end-of-life hospice care. Duties including lifting, bathing, feeding, dealing with incontinence...Serena does it all with endless kindness, compassion and and skill.

She started off with a local company, and then became self-employed. She was completely dedicated to her patients, working long shifts (due to lack of available assistants). She literally never let her clients down. Many times she brought her dog Krispy (pictured here) who brought much joy and comfort to them.

In May of this year, Serena received devastating news. She was diagnosed with breast cancer on Mother's Day. As a result of this diagnosis, Serena needed a lumpectomy and had her sentinel nodes removed. The unfortunate side effect of the treatment resulted in lymphodema, which still requires her to be in physical therapy. She also received radiation, and now has resulted in a secondary condition (affecting her thyroid and heart. The VA is not sure exactly what is wrong with her thyroid, so they have put the breast cancer treatment on hold while treating her with heavy dosages of long term steroids and two heart medications. This condition is putting much strain on her heart, making it impossible for her to return to work at this time. She attempted to get financial aid through Fred Hutch, but was told she didn't qualify because of her VA health insurance. This caregiver and mother is now in survival mode, and has been living off her savings since her initial breast cancer treatment.

However, her savings are running out-she was not anticipating further chronic health conditions or financial burdens. I'm also aware of other costly (and recent) incidents-the vet bill for her beloved, departed dog (over $1,000.00) Krispy abruptly starting expressing symptoms of illness last week, she had to use her nearly maxed out credit card for his veterinary care and ultimately euthanasia the following day (he had metastatic lung cancer) Her son also suffered a car accident (which resulted in her car being totaled), and flooding in her home (due to a faulty washing machine) which resulted in costly floor repairs. Hard to believe so much bad luck could happen to such a kind and selfless soul.

Most people would consider one or two of these events a major setback. I don't know anyone more worthy than this beautiful, suffering woman.

Please help if you can. All donations will be directly deposited into Serena's account

Thanks