Hi, I'm Rachel, the daughter of Sheryll & Stephen Collins. My mom has been battling a severe mutation called Myelofibrosis. Myelofibrosis (MF) is a rare, chronic blood cancer that scars the bone marrow, making it difficult to produce blood cells. Now it has progressed to the point that the fibrotic tissue has overtaken the ability to make most of her own blood cells, and her body tries to compensate by diverting the job to her spleen, which is not capable. All this has led to severe bone pain and the need for blood transfusions, as well as very expensive medications that have failed to stop the progression. Now the only option is radiation, chemo, and a bone marrow transplant. Requiring over a month inpatient in the hospital. Then quarantined at home for 9 months while she recovers.

Leading up to this, my mom was still working as a nurse and has served her community, taking care of countless people and making a difference in so many lives. A true living hero. She is the sweetest, most caring woman I've ever known, and it's hit her hard not being able to work through all this. She still thinks of others and the lives she wants to continue helping as a working RN.

The difficulties my parents face are more than the obvious with cancer torturing such a wonderful human. The financial strain has become unbearable. Being their daughter, I'm doing all that I can to support them and my household with 3 children. I'm going to be taking time from working as a nurse myself to care for my mother through this, and I hope there are people who can help with what I can't, the financial burden. Help to keep my parents floating till all this is behind us.

Please help with what you can. All is appreciated & please keep my wonderful mother in your prayers.