For my mom, Anna

To know my mom Anna is to love her. Anna is a bada** Italian woman who is also a kicka** chef, loving mother, and used to wrestle tigers in her spare time as a zookeeper (there’s a reason my siblings and I stayed in line). She is one of the strongest people that I know, a role model, a mentor, and a true ‘Mama Bear’.

I’ve been spoiled in life having her in my circle. Our childhood wasn’t full of designer gifts and expensive vacations, but we were beyond rich in the ways that really count.

I would watch her spend long hours deep into the night making sure that everyone got a homemade birthday cake made with extra love, no exceptions! Sunday mornings you would wake up to the sound of 80’s hits and the smell of fresh cooking bacon (and veggie bacon for me). Our days off were filled with family nature hikes, learning how to pick up snakes and care for orphaned baby birds. You signed up for a class project or have a crazy idea for halloween? Time to DIY it with mom! Every play, every field trip, every sports or club activities, she was there cheering us on. Knowing a mothers love is truly the greatest blessing I’ve been given in this life, a huge chunk of who I am today is all thanks to her.

My mom’s one fatal flaw is her stubbornness when it comes to asking for help. She’s such a strong, caring, self-sufficient woman that would rather grit and bare hardship than let anyone fret over her, because she cares so deeply for others. This is the one time I won’t let that slide.

Anna won’t ask anyone for help, so I’m asking for her. Recently, my mom was diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian Cancer. It’s been a rocky road so far, full of sudden hospital trips, new medications, and lots of googling medical terms. She’s taking everything like a trooper, but it’s not easy.

I’m sure we all know healthcare is incredibly expensive, and bills are already piling up. Times are tough for most, but if you would like to or are able to I am collecting funds for her medical bills. Please feel free to share, comment, send virtual hugs and loving words while we help our loving mother kick cancers a**!