My name is Matthew Luke Webster, and I am the youngest child of Gillian Webster.

I’m writing to ask for help for my mum who has been my guiding light my entire life — the woman who stood by me through my 39 surgeries over the past 13 years, including a second kidney transplant last November and the removal of my first kidney transplant just two weeks ago.

After three weeks of significant back pain herself, she woke up on Easter unable to walk due to the crippling pain and circumstances. She was rushed to the ER with severe back pain, numbness, and a burning sensation down her left leg.

What started as pain weeks ago has quickly turned into fear — fear of what the coming days, weeks, and months will look like.

After evaluation at the ER and an MRI, doctors explained she now needs emergency spine surgery.

She is about to turn 74 next month.

For years, she has carried more than her share — physically, emotionally, and financially.

After nearly 48 years of marriage without the support of a contributing partner, she has been forced to continue working full-time while navigating a difficult divorce over the last 18 months.

The past 18 months have been incredibly stressful and extremely difficult for her.

In the midst of her emotional and physical pains (including a hip replacement last year that has come with significant complications), she has also been forced to list her home for sale as part of her divorce. A home she built and has been a place of refuge for her and so many others. Unsure where she will live, how she will recover, and what her future is going to be, she is in need of support at this time.I’m asking for help from those who feel compelled.

I must add, through it all, I am proud that my mum has remained the most Christlike person I know.

In her life, she has:

• Worked since the age of 13 without stopping, developing her God-given gifts and using her resources to help others.

• Served a full-time mission for 18 months to represent Jesus Christ, serving others and preaching the gospel in Ireland.

• Raised children that were not her own, who with little to no help or acknowledgment of her efforts and sacrifices.

• Gave endlessly to her children, taking on the role of both mother and father many times without hesitation.

• Uplifted and comforted others her entire life, including even countless hours visiting those with who’ve been sick, widowed, and alone.

• Unconditionally welcomed many into her home, including those who’ve not felt welcome by their own families, those who have immigrated to the United States, and many more.

Since that young age when she first went to work, her motto has always been:

“If it’s going to be, it’s going to be me.”

But right now… I hope she can see, it shouldn’t have to be just her. She is well-loved and as limited as I am in helping, I can make the efforts to help her be the beneficiary of this GoFundMe.

Her surgery is serious. It will require significant time, rest, and a real recovery. Without the support, she may feel like she has in her past, forced to return to work far too soon — risking her health and her future.

That’s why I’m asking for help.

Your support will allow my mum to:

• Focus fully on healing and recovery after surgery.

• Cover living expenses during so that she doesn’t fear.

• Avoid the pressure of rushing back to work at nearly 74 years old.

• Feel the same love and care she has given others her entire life.

More than anything, I want her to know this:

She is not alone.

If you feel moved to give, share, or even send prayers, it truly means everything to me, my sibling, their families, and those who know and love her.

Thank you for helping us give back to a woman who has given so much to so many.

With gratitude,

Matthew Luke Webster