My name is Joseph. I thought that bringing in 2025 would be blissful and a full new beginning. I had a plan and purpose; however, things took a drastic turn. My mother Rio was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. I was in denial, and it took a month to realize this is very real. They gave her two years to live. I’m a truck driver, mostly over the road. I’m her lifeline and support system and had to take leave from my job to care for her. Chemo takes a lot out of you, and she’s experienced mostly all of the side effects: lost hair, skin darkening, nails falling off, neuropathy, can’t taste food, and constant weight loss. She was 175 pounds at the beginning of being diagnosed. She is now 150.

During the fight with this devastating disease, I was in a major car accident that almost took my life. I still struggle with pain from the accident; however, I still have to take care of my mother. Having no transportation and funds depleted makes this the most difficult time for both of us. She’s doing her best and has currently been in the hospital for over two weeks. She’s now at the point where she needs 24-hour care. It would be greatly appreciated if anybody would be able to chip in and help. The funds would allow me to move back and forth to the hospital to take care of her. It would also allow me to be able to purchase all items needed for her along with her medications. Her insurance is not covering some of her medications. We are also asking the insurance to cover her stay in a rehabilitation facility where she can receive 24-hour care. Please help in any way you can. God bless you.