As Mother’s Day just passed, I can’t help but think of an amazing mother to 3 great kids—Ms. Vera. She’s helped us look after our home for the past 6 years. She is trustworthy, kind, nice, gracious, hardworking, and most of all, caring. As an immigrant, she started her own cleaning business living the American Dream while also helping her friends and family have stable livelihoods.

As life did throw an unexpected curveball, she started having back pains and bleeding—at 43 years of age, she was diagnosed with stage 3 anorectal cancer. The first thing she told me was not to worry because she will make it through this, and her main concern is obviously her kids and family and making sure her clients are taken care of. It is our turn to make sure we can take care of Ms. Vera. Any gesture and amount will help her get through this journey and certainly allow her to take care of herself as she continues to care for others. Her battle will be long and arduous, but her spirit will carry her through this tough time. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.