Update:

My mom has been bravely fighting endometrial cancer and has undergone extensive treatment, including immunotherapy. While she continues this fight, doctors recently discovered a growing lung nodule that has become metabolically active on imaging. At this time, we are in a waiting period, preparing for a lung biopsy to determine whether this is related to her current cancer, a new cancer, or possibly a benign growth. The uncertainty has been one of the hardest parts.

As if this weren’t enough, our family is also dealing with additional health and financial strain. With my dad being sick and bedridden and my sister having to take time off to help our mom get to appointments, manage treatments, and provide day-to-day care for both of them, it’s been tough. I’ve stepped in wherever I can as well, but the reality is that cancer doesn’t pause bills or responsibilities.

To be transparent, my mom is still currently waiting on a decision from Social Security to determine whether she qualifies for temporary disability. Until that decision is made, our family has been doing everything possible to stay afloat. Covering medical costs, prescriptions, travel to appointments, household expenses, and lost income.

Anyone who knows my mom knows her strength, generosity, and heart. She is the kind of person who shows up for everyone else without hesitation and asking for help does not come naturally to her or to us. But right now, we need it.

With that being said, we are going to reactive my mom’s gofundme. The funds raised will go directly toward:

• Medical and treatment-related expenses

• Travel and gas for frequent appointments

• Household bills during periods of lost income

• Basic living expenses while disability is pending

If you are able to donate, please know that every amount truly helps. If you’re unable to give financially, sharing this page, sending prayers, positive thoughts, or words of encouragement means just as much to our family.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for supporting my mom as she continues to fight with courage and grace. We are hopeful, but we are also taking things one step at a time and your support helps us do exactly that!

Previous:

As many of you know, my mom, Darlene Hembree, was recently diagnosed with endometrial cancer. She has already undergone surgery and is now beginning chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Because her immune system will be fragile, she cannot return to her work at the daycare she loves so much. Doctors have told her she will need to be out of work for at least six months.

This has been a devastating adjustment for my parents. My mom has always been the heart of our family—caring for children, working hard, and supporting others. Now, she is facing one of the hardest battles of her life.

With my dad also struggling with health issues, their household income has dropped significantly. They rely on my mom’s paycheck to help cover essential bills—utilities, groceries, medical expenses, and day-to-day needs. Many of you have kindly asked how you can help during this difficult time, and after much thought, we felt this would be the best way.

If you are able, any donation—big or small—will go directly toward keeping my parents afloat while my mom focuses on healing. Even sharing this page means more than you know.

Our family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support we’ve already received. We truly believe that with faith, community, and strength, my mom will get through this.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.