Hi everyone!

My name is Jada Tarvin-Abu-Bekr and I am Melissa's daughter. As many of you who know who I am, you also know my mom.

On Sunday, May 4th, my mom started experiencing some abdominal and back pain. The uncontrollable pain continued until Monday, where no medications or anything would help her symptoms. She decided to admit herself to the hospital to seek what was wrong and initially found out that she had a UTI. One thing about my mother is her typical distaste for hospitals and doctors, so this says a lot! One thing led to the next, and we found out that along with the UTI, she had gallstones (later found an infection in the gallbladder), a 13cm cancerous mass on her left kidney (your kidney is about 12 cm), and diverticulitis. On Wednesday morning, she went into emergency surgery to remove the inflamed gallbladder, which went well! The plan to remove the kidney is being made, but it will be a rather quick process since it is a low-grade, non-aggressive tumor. Her kidneys are in good function, so it's just a matter of making it to the next step.

I am writing this asking for help of any kind because of the financial weight that has come with the recent events. My mom is a hardworking woman, trying to support herself and her son. She has had a lot of struggles and ups and downs but continues to do everything she can to provide a life for her and Cane, as much as she can. Job changes, moves, etc. You know - life.

I personally live about 4-5 hours away, where I am on 6-month probation for my recent job with LA County's Department of Public Health. Due to some of my probation limitations and ensuring I am in good standing, I am limited on when I can be physically present, but I am doing everything I can to manage scheduling, diet compliance, doctor's appointments, and any other items as they come up. I also am driving to Vegas to support when I can and my job allows.

I am working on getting my mom's short-term disability leave in place, but until then, she is out of work until we can get her to a stable and healthy place. She will need to have enough money to keep her insurance going so that we can work with the team of doctors and medical professionals to get the mass removed and recover. As of Saturday May 10, she is back at home slowly recovering. Because of her health, she was not in the best place to have surgery, so recovery is and will be a bit of a rocky journey. She is truly doing amazing and is keeping her spirits up despite the obstacles coming toward her. Little by little!

For now, I have no idea what tomorrow looks like. I have some idea, and I can do my best to plan, but I am also taking it one day at a time and trying to ensure everyone has the tools, assistance, and support to be healthy (or as healthy as one can be). Cane is doing an incredible job supporting while he can, being patient, and helping out where he can. Every friend from near and far sending messages and coming to check in has been amazing!

If you can donate $1, $5, or $20, ANY and all support is DEEPLY appreciated. All money will be going toward medical + insurance expenses, doctor's appointments, ER costs, new dietary meals / meal prep, and making up for lost work.

I love and care for my mom and I have been deeply touched by the love and care shown the last week as we have navigated everything. Since she is staying in Vegas, she is far from a lot of family, but I have seen chosen family and friends coming from everywhere to support. I know there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. I know God is loving, kind, and bigger than any of this. Despite all of the obstacles - I know that together, we will push forward. Community changes everything. There is hope that there will be a brighter, healthier future where she can experience life free from this.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. For your prayers, your support, and your care.