As some of you may know, my mom, Sherry McCaskill, passed away on Oct 18, 2022. I am heart broken.

My mom had been dealing with a complex heart condition for more than 10 years that led her into complete heart failure in 2021. After almost 12 years of living in Atlanta, I decided to move to Washington, DC and mama just had to follow lol (two peas in a pod).

Per her cardiologist referral, my mom began care at INOVA Fairfax in VA (just outside of DC). On her first visit she was told she needed a heart transplant and would not live more than 2 years without it. Fortunately, she was on the list within weeks and received a donor 2 months after her admission to the hospital. She got her new heart on December 2, 2021.

I was her care-taker for what was supposed to be her year long recovery. It was hard for both of us, but we made it happen.

My mom was in and out of the hospital during her recovery—as expected for some transplant patients. We knew recovery would be a rollercoaster, but her passing was completely unexpected. For me, her new heart meant a new life. I am still in shock. Her last visit was routine and we expected her to come back home, like she always did. She got more sick being in the hospital and in the matter of 5 days she declined, leading to her death. To keep it simple she got an infection, went in to multiple surgeries in less than 48 hours, and her body just couldn’t recover. She couldn’t fight anymore. My girl was tired. She had been through so much over the years.

I share all of this because so many people have asked how they can support me. A month before she passed away, we signed a new lease to live together for the foreseeable future. Because of my moms medical history, she did not have life insurance. No company would give her a policy. I am now taking over expenses that we shared together… the biggest one being rent. Additionally, I need support for travel expenses and costs associated with her celebration of life this March. I was off from work for a month and I’m slowly working my way back to full time as my mental and emotional health improves.

I am grateful for donations from those who are able ♥️