A Son Supporting 2x Cancer Survivor Battling Heart Failure

The word ‘humbling’ comes to mind as I write these words. I love my mom. She gave me life but what’s even more amazing about her? She raised my brothers and I by herself, she beat Breast Cancer TWICE, and she’s been fighting every single day battling heart failure as a result of the aggressive chemo from the second title fight with Cancer.

I carry myself cool, calm, and collected but I’m scared. It’s taken a lot to get to the point of starting this gofundme… mainly out of fear of being perceived as needing help. It’s pride. It’s ego. It’s judgement on social media… but how would I live if the rigors of life and unexpected expenses stressed my mom out so much that she died ? ! knowing I didn’t ask for help when I could have ? !

My mom is on a limited income after my grandfather, whom she was taking care of, passed during covid. She attempts to do Amazon deliveries when she can (because she can go when she has the energy) but physical activity (stairs, extended driveways, late night sprints back to the car in backwoods Ohio, etc.) strains her heart. She has traveled monthly for years raising money for cancer patients in active treatment pay their bills - which is noble, though I’ve suggested against it as she’s quite literally risking her life, given her state, pushing herself so hard for others.

That’s my mom though. Selfless. I started this to help with the bills. I can only take so many scares. In the family group text: Paramedics called on multiple occasions. Trips to the ER. Her severe shortness of breath. Rollercoaster blood pressure and sugar levels. In bed for days. Medications not covered by insurance. Feet permanently damaged from the aggressive chemo. Unable to work and household and medical bills (ambulances are not cheap!) never stopping. So many things a child living across the country doesn’t want to hear about the only parent they’ve ever known and not being able to assist with in a significant way.

Why is life this way?

So I’m coming to the internet to ask for help. It’s a crazy world but I like to believe there is still so much good out there. GoFundMe chose this goal. This number would go a LONG way especially if you’ve been simply surviving for so long. Reaching it or God willing surpassing it would be life changing. I know times are hard for everyone so PLEASE only support if it’s something you feel comfortable with. Every contribution that helps keep my mom unburdened by the limitations of her body and the ruthlessness of inflation (and our healthcare system) is truly considered a blessing and I pray you receive it back 100 fold.

Thank you so much if you’ve made it this far.

Joe Jenkins