Our beloved cousin, Regina Barber, is a wife and 49-year-old mother of five. She is also a dedicated fourth-grade teacher in the Oakland Unified School District. She has spent her life nurturing children—her own and thousands of students who adore her. She is also the primary caretaker for her bedridden mother, our dear Aunt Pat, caring for her daily with patience, love, and grace. Now she’s facing one of the hardest battles of her life: Stage 3 colon cancer.

Recently diagnosed, she is preparing for a long and demanding treatment plan that includes months of radiation, chemotherapy, and eventually major surgery. During this time, she will need to take extended medical leave. Unfortunately, her disability income will only cover 50% of her paycheck, making it incredibly difficult to keep up with basic living expenses for her family.

Anyone who knows Gina knows her strength, kindness, and her quiet determination. She shows up every day for her students and family with love and patience, even on the hardest days. Even when she is exhausted from caring for others, she shows up for those around her with a positive attitude and an infectious laugh. Now she needs support. We want to make sure Gina feels our support now—so she can focus on healing, not on worrying about how to pay the bills.

We are asking for help to ease the financial burden of:

•Rent and household bills

• Groceries for her family

• Transportation needs

Medical expenses not fully covered by insurance

• The everyday costs of supporting a household during a long medical journey

Every contribution—no matter the size—makes a meaningful difference. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser is another powerful way to support her.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us lift some of the weight off her shoulders. Your generosity will give her the stability and peace of mind she needs to fight cancer with all her strength.

With love and gratitude,

Her family