2025 was not the best year for our family. My husband of 37 years, George, was ill for over a year and was hospitalized on and off. After months and months of doctor visits and tests, we were told that George had angiosarcoma, and he had little time left. He passed away several weeks later on February 23, 2025. In May of that same year, I began showing odd symptoms. Finally, in October of 2025, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. My treatments were harsh because of the aggressiveness of this type of cancer, and I was hospitalized every two weeks for four months. This past year has been one of anguish, pain, and sorrow. My family’s life has been forever changed and we are learning to adapt to it with as much positivity and determination as possible. I have been unable to continue my work as a teacher and, therefore, struggled to meet basic needs, manage my health, and deal with the loss of my best friend at the same time. The support I have received from our community has saved me in so many ways, and I will be forever grateful for the continuous outpouring of kindness and generosity. I feel very blessed that so many are reaching out to help me during this challenging time.