**Please see most recent update, as this GFM's main priority has changed since my mom has since passed away. Funds are going to her cremation and memorial services, and also towards maintaining her garden, as a living tribute/memorial to her**

Hello all,

As many of you know, my mom, Fran Allibone, has been battling Stage IV small-cell lung cancer, which has metastasized into other areas of her body. She's been going through chemo and brain radiation, and thankfully, her insurance has been covering a lot. The cancer, and the treatments, have impacted her life in many ways.

On top of the cancer, chemo, and radiation, she recently received the bittersweet news that her significantly deteriorating eyesight has not been permanently impacted, but she has developed thick cataracts in both eyes, requiring surgery that is not fully covered under her insurance.

We hate having to do this but on top of everything with the cancer, chemo, and everything else, we as a family are under-equipped to handle all of necessary financial needs, let alone any of the wants or things to help bring comfort to Fran during this time of intensive treatments, and scary possibilities. We are happy that the treatments have not irreversibly messed with her eyesight, and cataracts are something way more common/something that comes with age, but they are expensive!

Any support that you can offer would mean the world to us and would make it possible for us to afford the surgery so that she can see. Being able to see enables her to maintain her independence for daily living, and also participate in her favorite activities, reading, knitting, and perhaps what she is most famous for- her gardening.

Thank you for your understanding and generosity.

-Jillian Allibone