A few months ago, while visiting Shane and me in Florida, my mom mentioned a painful spot on her tongue. She assumed a tooth had been rubbing against it and had even gone to the dentist multiple times to have the tooth filed down. I asked her how long the sore had been there. She paused, thought about it, and realized it had been nearly a year. A biopsy confirmed our worst fear: squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.

After surgery to remove the cancer, we were hopeful that the hardest part was behind her. But when doctors recommended a second surgery to remove lymph nodes, they discovered the cancer had spread. What we thought would be a one-time surgery became a full cancer battle. Jeana is now in her fifth week of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. The treatments are relentless. She is exhausted, struggling to stay awake, and becoming malnourished because the pain in her tongue and throat makes swallowing even the smallest bites or sips incredibly difficult. Every day is a battle just to get enough nutrition and hydration to continue treatment.

On top of the physical toll, she has been unable to work. Because her job is commission-based, the loss of income has created an enormous financial burden at the very time she needs to focus all of her energy on healing. Living across the country in Florida with young children has made Shane and me feel painfully helpless throughout much of this journey. With no direct flights between us, we've often wished we could simply be there to help with the everyday things that become overwhelming during cancer treatment. Now that I'm here in Orange County and seeing firsthand what she's facing, I realize even more how much support she needs—not just while I'm here, but after I return home. My brothers and I want to help make sure Mom feels cared for, loved, and supported throughout this fight.

Any funds raised will go directly toward expenses, everyday living costs, nutrition, and the additional support she needs while undergoing treatment. Most of all, your generosity will remind her that she is not fighting this battle alone. Whether you're able to donate or simply keep Jeana in your prayers, thank you. Your kindness, encouragement, and support mean more to our family than we can express.