2025 was a whirlwind year. My mom welcomed her first grandchild into the world and then a few months later she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. What began as months of horrible stomach pain that the doctors thought was acid reflux quickly turned into two trips to the ER, multiple rounds of testing, ultrasounds, and an endoscopy that changed her life in an instant.

My mom spent weeks in the hospital. She underwent a complex Whipple surgery to remove the tumor on her pancreas and will now be on daily medication likely for the rest of her life. She is in the middle of undergoing chemotherapy and through it she’s shown nothing but strength, resilience, and courage. My mom has dedicated her entire life to helping others, pouring her heart into her daycare and preschool children for more than 30 years. I want to be able to do something for her during this difficult time.

With extended hospital stays and ongoing treatments and medications, the financial strain is quickly adding up. She’s been unable to teach her preschool for months, but being the selfless person that she is, she wanted to make sure her preschool children could finish out the year together, so she’s had to hire staff to keep it running. These additional costs, medical expenses, and everyday household bills are the last thing I want her or my dad to worry about. I want her to focus on her fight and her recovery.

If you are able to donate to help ease this burden, no amount is too small and every contribution truly helps. Even an extra prayer or share helps. Cancer has taken so much away from my mom and I want nothing more than for her to get through this, to be able to hold her grandson again, hug her preschool kids, and hopefully put this whole chapter behind her. We’re forever grateful for the ongoing love and support my mom has received. Let’s help make as big of an impact on her life as she has made on so many others. With gratitude, Courtney