If you know my mom, Therese, you know she is the kind of person who always shows up for others. Even when she’s exhausted and depleted, she will find the energy for everyone and be happy to do so if it means lightening their load. She is one of seven siblings, a wife, a daughter, a mother of five, a grandmother of five (soon to be a grandmother of seven by the end of the year.) She is also a friend, neighbor, and steady source of love and support to so many others. My mom has spent her life giving and helping others, truly never wanting for anything in return. She works tirelessly at her two jobs, gives her time generously, and somehow still finds a way to be there whenever someone needs her. (I cannot imagine her call log on any given day.) She never takes a second for herself, but recently life has forced that change.

In January, our family’s world turned upside down when my mom was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Since then, life has felt like a rollercoaster of appointments, fear, decisions, and uncertainty as the doctors gave a strong impression it had likely metastasized. This diagnosis has also brought back some deep emotional pain. In 2016 my mom lost her identical twin sister, Mary Jo, to cancer that also began in the breast. Watching her walk through these complex emotions again is heartbreaking, and the weight of that loss makes me feel for all of those surrounding her who also have to relive that loss. At the end of April, my mom will begin chemotherapy. As treatment starts, the emotional burden will additionally become a physical one. Anyone who knows my mom knows how much she likes to be prepared. She is someone who finds comfort in planning, structure, and certainty. Cancer does not afford you that kind of certainty, and that has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. Even now, she is trying to put on a strong face for everyone else. But the truth is, she needs support.

Because chemotherapy will make it difficult, if not impossible, for her to continue working her two jobs as she normally does, we are raising funds to help ease the financial pressure during treatment. Donations will go directly toward medical bills, household expenses, and some of the practical costs that come with cancer care. We are also hoping to help cover the cost of a wig, which would mean so much to her as she prepares for hair loss. Her hair has always been something she took pride in, and helping her feel a little more like herself during treatment would be a gift in itself. One of my niece’s first reactions when she saw my mom after finding out about the cancer was “Nani, are you going to lose your hair?” and she had truly hoped she could assure her that she wouldn’t, but with the likelihood we would like to ease that burden however we can.

Our main hope is that this fundraiser gives my mom some breathing room. We want her to be able to focus on healing, resting, and getting through chemotherapy without the constant stress of how the bills will be paid. If you are able to give, share, or keep her in your prayers, our family would be deeply grateful. Every donation, no matter the amount, will make a meaningful difference. And if you are not in a position to donate, we truly and whole heartedly understand, sharing this page with others would help more than you know. A simple “thinking of you” text would mean equally as much. Thank you for helping us surround my mom with the same love and care she has always given so freely to everyone else. Love, Taylor and the Schmidt family.