Hello, my name is Verlin Daley and I truly appreciate you taking the time to read about my sister Esther’s story. My sister is a single parent who's struggling with stage 4 breast cancer. The struggle has taken an incredible toll on not only herself, but also her two daughters, 24 year old Valeria and 9 year old Mia. Because there's not another caretaker in the house, our 80 year old mom is doing her best to help but has trouble physically with many of the day to day tasks Esther faces in her current paraplegic state. Here is my sister’s story.

Esther has been battling breast cancer for years now. In the beginning, she believed she was one of the lucky ones who beat the initial diagnosis. However, 2 years ago she received the news that the cancer had come back aggressively and was classified as stage 4. Esther began aggressive chemo treatments again. However, treatment was forced to stop once her port became infected.

During this time, Esther began complaining about severe back pain. Her oncologist was adamant that the pain was muscular and not associated with the cancer. The doctors didn’t perform any additional diagnostic imaging or treatment for the back pain because it was thought to be muscular. In July, Esther was taken to the emergency room because the pain had become so intense that she wasn’t able to walk due to the pain. At that point, the Dr’s found a large tumor pressing against the nerves in her spine that has left Esther in a paraplegic state. Essentially, the tumor is preventing her brain and body from communicating which causes many basic bodily functions to stop working. Radiation began immediately, however it wasn't effective in reducing the tumor.

It's now been two years since Esther has been out of work. The family has had to give up their home to move to a more handicap friendly apartment. Her daughter, Valeria, has now had to leave her full time job to become a caretaker for her mom and sister. Valeria has taken on a part time job that provides her the flexibility she needs to care for her mom, but her income is now a fraction of her full time wage. My mom tries to help out but her age makes it very challenging. Unfortunately, the rest of our family lives out of state and cannot provide additional support on a day to day basis.

At this point, my sister is left feeling hopeless and worried about caring for her 9 year old daughter. Esther is in constant pain as the tumor causes spasms throughout the day and night. The Doctor has started her on a new chemo drug that can hopefully stop the spasms and improve her quality of life for however long she has left.

All money raised will go towards paying my sister’s housing, medical bills, and assist with caring for her nine year old daughter. Any amount you're willing to contribute is so greatly appreciated. If you aren’t able to share money at this time, sharing this page with your friends and family would mean the world to us. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my sister’s story.