It is with heavy hearts that our family has to share an important update about our beloved mom, Elaine Matthews. Mom has recently been diagnosed with stage IV metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer that has spread to her spine, pelvis, and sternum.

The cancer has caused a painful fracture in one of her lower vertebrae and is affecting multiple levels of her spine and pelvis, making everyday movement difficult. Mom is a fighter, and we are working closely with her care team to manage her pain and ensure she has the best possible quality of life. We are currently undergoing our first rounds of radiation, oral chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as bone strengthening infusions to lessen her risk of additional fractures.

As you can imagine, this has placed a tremendous emotional and financial strain on our family as we fight side by side with her. Between medical expenses, caregiving needs, and missed work, we are doing everything we can—but we also know we can’t do it alone.

If you’re able to help—whether through a donation, a prayer, or simply sharing this page—it would mean the world to us. Every bit of support allows us to focus more fully on being present for our mother, keeping her as comfortable and surrounded by love as possible.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for walking with us through this incredibly difficult time.

With much love from her daughters,

Courtney McRae, Samantha Helepiko, and Alyssa Shelly