Two years ago, I met Ivone as part of a program for women of faith who are doing innovative ministry. We were from all over the country, from different Christian traditions, and working on different issues, but what united the group was a deep commitment to living out our faith in real people's lives.

Ivone has dedicated her life to helping others. For more than 30 years, she has lived in and served communities in Washington State. She is a woman of deep faith who lives out the teachings of Jesus by serving those folks who are on the margins. She has been an advocate for farm workers in Washington State who, at times, are abused and overlooked by our broken systems. She spent 10 years in Washington, DC, lifting up the stories of people who are often ignored in the halls of power. Most recently, she has been working to help bring more love and dignity to the systems that are supposed to support our most vulnerable families.

This spring, Ivone was diagnosed with Stage 3b breast cancer. She had a double mastectomy only weeks after she had just completed emergency gall bladder surgery. Then she started chemotherapy 5 weeks after that. For months, she juggled her family commitments, her work, and her treatment. Now she has moved into an even more aggressive time of weekly treatments, and she has taken a leave from work. The medical bills are real, and it is a daily struggle to find the energy to play with her 2 year old daughter.

Ivone is in a battle with cancer and she needs us to stand with her just like she has done for so many other people. I am asking that you give whatever you can so that she has the resources she needs in this critical time. In this holiday season, she could particularly use the financial and spiritual support.

When I told her that I wanted to start this site, she thanked me and then told me not to ask for too much money because there are so many people struggling right now, and she didn't want to take away from them.

Her response was exactly why I am asking for folks to give generously. If all of us gave of ourselves like Ivone does, there would be more than enough for everyone. So I am asking you to show up for Ivone like she shows up for so many people. Let's make sure that she has what she needs to fight her battle with cancer without having to worry about how to cover her bills and how to take care of her daughter.