Support Darla's Battle Against Cancer

I'm Lee, and my mom is Darla. I'm writing this for her.

Any of you who know Darla know that she's a fighter. She's faced incredible adversity in her life and has never come close to giving up. Her greatest passion is the welfare of young children, and she's worked tirelessly as an advocate for teachers and children during her over thirty years in Early Childhood Education. Today, she continues to spread her knowledge through her almost daily TikTok and YouTube channels, as well as working in the community (when her health allows) as a proud member of Sacramento's First Five Advisory Board. Most recently, she worked as an education coordinator, bringing her knowledge and passion to children and classrooms in Indigenous communities across the state.

Darla was diagnosed with a rare form of soft-tissue cancer in January 2021. She's met with over half a dozen doctors, endured over twenty rounds of debilitating chemotherapy treatments in addition to radiation therapy. She finished radiation treatments last autumn, and we await the final results of all these years of treatment next month. Knock on wood - but it feels like good news is coming.

While undergoing chemotherapy, her job refused to accommodate her illness. They harassed and threatened her, demoted her, then terminated her. As her employer is considered a tribal entity by US Courts, she had no legal recourse and the tribes themselves were not willing to help her. She can no longer work. I've been by her side all of this time. I've worked as hard as I can to protect her and provide the care and security she needs to properly heal. Together we've faced (and beat) two eviction cases, but were sadly homeless for several months this year. We've gotten housing now, but we've recently received notice that it's in danger. In addition, we face food insecurity and mounting debt we've used to stay afloat. Economic uncertainty has imperiled my work, and it remains difficult to secure any additional employment.

I would do anything for my mom. Which is why I'm reaching out to our communities for help. I'm requesting financial assistance - funds will be used to help us catch up on rent and bills, and purchase food while I continue to seek additional employment.