Support Elizabeth Hogan's Battle with Stage 4 Lung Cancer

Dear Friends and Family,

In February of 2024, our beautiful mother, Elizabeth Hogan, was unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung Cancer when some trouble breathing brought her to the hospital. After having 1.5 liters of fluid drained from her right lung, her doctor revealed that she had quickly developed Adenocarcinoma in the lining of her right lung-- that it was inoperable, stage four, and that we would quickly begin treatment by way of immuno- and chemotherapy. By the time March rolled around, treatment had begun, and her sisters, two sons (Spencer and Quinn) and ex-husband quickly began making arrangements to support her--her eldest even moved back up to Massachusetts from Brooklyn to live with and take care of her :)

Unfortunately, this news falls on the tail end of other health struggles for our sweet mother. After getting COVID-19 in 2020, a series of autoimmune and neurological issues such as joint pain, vertigo, constant headaches, and general fatigue were brought on by Long COVID. Eventually, her health struggles left her in such a compromised position that she was forced to close her beloved prepared food and catering business, Cha Cha La Mer (of Beverly Farms, MA), in 2022. She had worked tirelessly there since its opening in 2011 to provide food to a community that she loved, and suddenly it was gone.

Needless to say, having lost her only source of income, the past few years have been difficult financially. Though she continued doing some small catering events and prepared food orders from home right up until the diagnosis, it was clear from the onset of her chemo that this would no longer be an option for her. Through some aid from the state, as well as the gracious support of some friends and family, she has been sustained thus far, but now we are humbly asking you all for some financial support.

Anyone who knows our mom knows that she is a deep lover of people. She has a thirst for life and the service of others, and has always worked hard to keep pushing forward especially in tough times. She continues to keep her sense of humor through it all: finding hard laughter, joking about her cancer, her illnesses, and all of the hardships life has put her through. There has even been a new quiet joy in the air these past few months, as we are newly inspired to put petty grievances aside and really love and care for one another--a deeper appreciation for our time together.

Cancer is a long, tiring battle. No matter how much support you have, it gets tough--fatigue, loss of appetite, and constant pain are parts of her new normal. While her eldest has been providing live-in care and some financial support, we often find ourselves in a strained financial position nonetheless. Unfortunately, the nature of Mom’s diagnosis is that it is incurable (though we are open to miracles): this means that her treatment is for longevity--for prolonging her life, for making it as comfortable as possible--and as such, it could go on for months, even years. Any support we receive here will go directly toward costs of living: food, rent, car troubles, and so on; and, of course, treatment (the parts left uncovered by MassHealth).

We are very grateful for your reading this post. We also understand that some are not in the position to contribute financially, and so we would like to emphasize that sharing this fundraiser is just as helpful as anything else.

With deep gratitude,

Quinn, Spencer, and Elizabeth