My dear family and friends. Reaching out like this is so hard for me. However, it’s not hard for my daughter. I hope everyone who reads this knows that this comes straight from my heart. Over the years, I’ve watched and quietly followed so many stories on Facebook—babies I’ve delivered, moms I’ve loved and still love, families I’ve held, and friends who have lost loved ones. I’ve seen too many of the babies I helped bring into this world grow up and face cancer. It always hits home, but never as close as when it’s your own child.

My daughter, Bristol, is 30 years old—yes, 30, even though it’s hard to believe. She is my youngest and the mother of my first grandchild. A week before Christmas, she went to the emergency room because her lymph nodes were swollen. After 10 days in the hospital, she was diagnosed with lymphoma. Currently, Bristol is in Kansas City with her two-and-a-half-year-old and her husband, Corey, where they live. She has been discharged from the hospital and is now undergoing treatment. They do have insurance. Both Bristol and Corey work. But the treatments have been much harder than we ever imagined, and Bristol has had to take a lot of time off work. The financial burden has been overwhelming. Her out-of-pocket costs and coinsurance are extremely high. Even one injection she receives weekly is astronomical.

So I’m asking for two things. First, please pray—for Bristol, for me, and for our family. Second, if you are able, please consider helping her financially. I know everyone has their own families and their own needs, and I understand that. Any amount helps, and we are so grateful for every bit of support. If you are not able to donate, please know that your prayers and sharing this page mean just as much. This is very hard for me to ask, but I am reaching out with a mother’s heart and asking you to please consider supporting my daughter during this fight. Thank you for reading, for caring, and for standing with us. With love and gratitude, Diane Tandy, CNM