Help Bernarda "Bonnie" Flores O’Brien Fight Breast Cancer

I’m starting this GoFundMe for my best friend, Bernarda "Bonnie" Flores O’Brien, a woman with a heart of pure gold who has spent her life caring for others and bringing light wherever she goes.

Bonnie and her husband, Gene O’Brien, live in Florida but are both originally from the Colonie/Albany, New York area. Bonnie dedicated 28 years of her life to St Peter’s Hospital in Albany, working as a respiratory technician. When you couldn’t find Bonnie in her department, the next place to look was hospice. She would quietly go there on her own time to sit with those nearing the end of life—offering comfort, holding hands, listening, and being present for both patients and their families. Bonnie didn’t just care for people medically; she cared for their hearts. She often shared stories not only of those who were passing, but of the families she came to know and love during those sacred moments.

Bonnie is a grandmother to one beautiful little boy, with two more grandchildren on the way—a role she treasures deeply. She adores her husband and the life and family they have built together. Bonnie is also the life of the party: she loves to dance, run, bike, and kayak. She has a contagious laugh and an energy that fills a room. If you are in Bonnie’s presence, you are smiling. She has many friends who feel truly blessed to know her.

Recently, Bonnie was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer. She is now facing the fight of her life over the next six months, which includes months of chemotherapy, followed by surgery to remove the remaining mass. While Bonnie and Gene have good insurance, they were not prepared for the heavy financial burden that comes with cancer treatment. Each chemotherapy session will cost approximately $500 per treatment, in addition to extremely expensive medications. Bonnie will also be out of work for an extended period of time during treatment. She currently cleans homes in Florida—physical work she loves, but work she cannot do while undergoing chemotherapy.

Bonnie’s spirits remain strong. She is positive, determined, and ready to battle this disease head-on. But the last thing she should have to worry about while fighting for her life is the financial stress that comes with treatment.

Asking for help does not come naturally to Bonnie. She is usually the one offering help, showing up, and giving without hesitation. Despite her discomfort with asking, this season calls for community—to surround her the way she has surrounded so many others.

This fundraiser will help cover:

*Chemotherapy co-pays

*Cancer medications

*Lost income during her six months of treatment

*Basic living expenses so Bonnie can focus on healing

If you are able, please consider donating any amount. If you cannot donate, sharing this page and keeping Bonnie in your prayers means more than you know.

Let’s lift this burden together so Bonnie can focus on what truly matters—healing, family, and life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Kathy ❤️