This GoFundMe comes after much care and consideration. If you know my sister, then you know that she is always the first person to help someone else. She would give the very shirt off her back if it meant keeping someone else warm. Joline is strong in her Faith and finds so much enjoyment devoting her time to the Children’s Church at New Beginnings Ministry. Even today, she fought to find the strength and energy to continue her service.

At the end of May when she was first diagnosed, I wanted to start a GFM. In fact, I also wanted to organize a benefit and carry out other possible ideas to raise funds for my sister and her family. Joline was hesitant and reluctant to allow me to ask for help. She states, “there are other people/families/children that need the money more than her”. She feels that asking for help is in some way “taking from others”. It has taken a LOT of convincing to make her realize, just as her loving heart has helped so many – there are so many loving hearts willing and wanting to help her.

Joline’s official diagnosis is stage 3C grade 2 Squamous Cell Cancer of the Cervix. She has a long road ahead of her; starting with a treatment plan that will begin on Monday, August 12th. This plan consists of Chemo administered every Monday to run concurrent with External Radiation 5 days a week for 5 weeks followed by 2 weeks of Brachytherapy. For those of you who may not know; Brachytherapy is a fancy medical term for a process of Internal Radiation that is given while the patient is fully sedated.

The medical bills are already piling up. How sad it is that receiving devastating news comes with a devastating price tag. As a family we have managed financials the best we can. Unfortunately, we have been hit with other trials and tribulations. In February, our father, Dale Webster was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colo-rectal Cancer. After an array of medical complications and setbacks, he too, is also in the middle of undergoing a treatment plan for Radiation and Chemo. In July, while visiting family in Texas, our grandmother, Sandy Woods was unexpectedly placed on hospice. Our mother, Sandy Webster flew to Texas to be by her side and remained in Texas until she passed away on July 24th.

As a family we have remained strong and have come together to do whatever we can, financially, mentally and emotionally to help each other through this series of unforseen circumstances. After all, isn’t that what life is all about? For us, this is something our parents have always instilled in us. To love each other, to love thy neighbor and above all else, if you can’t help……. Don’t hurt.

Because I do not have children of my own, I am blessed to be able to move into Joline’s home for the duration of her treatments. This will allow Joline’s husband, Casey Hickey, to be by her side while I help to meet the needs of the household. Getting the kiddos off to school in the morning. Tending to them after school. Dinner. Dishes. Laundry. Homework. Bedtime. And, most importantly, giving them the love and attention they will need to help keep their hearts and minds at ease during this difficult time. I will do all of this while working my full-time job as a Letter Carrier with the U.S.P.S. There isn’t a thing in the world that I wouldn’t do for my sister. She has always been there for me, and this is when I finally have the chance to be there for her.

Joline’s husband is the breadwinner. He has always worked hard to provide for the family, allowing Joline to stay home and raise the children just as our mom did when we were young. My goal for this GoFundMe is to raise enough funds to cushion the financial burden and ease the amount of worry and stress Joline constantly feels. Joline and I have battled about the “goal” amount. She doesn’t feel it’s fair to ask for more than what it will cost to cover the minimal expenses. Gas, food, time missed from work, etc. She doesn’t believe it is fair to ask for anyone to help with her “medical bills”. Unfortunately, meeting the goal amount won’t even put a dent in the full amount they are facing for medical bills.

I would like to end this by explaining the specific number I chose for the goal amount. It’s very sweet and simple. Joline and I were both born on the 27th of the month, 14 months apart. We have always thought that was the coolest thing and whenever people ask us who’s older or whether we’re twins or not, we both love to tell the story about how we were born 14 months apart…. to the day. Oh, and…. just to be clear… She’s older and she’s the best big, little sister I could ever ask for. If you are still reading this, Thank you. Your time and attention are truly appreciated. If you are unable to help financially, please know that prayers and shares are just as valuable. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you.