Support Tina's Journey: Secure Housing for Healing

Hello to my friends, family & community…

My name is Amberle and to put it briefly, I really need some help!

My mom, Tina, was diagnosed with stage 3 anal cancer on October 12, 2024, and I am reaching out in hopes of raising funds for emergency housing for her during her treatment.

The treatment plan is a very aggressive 6-week course of daily radiation along with oral and chemotherapy infusions. Upon news of her diagnosis, she was unfortunately displaced from her home, rendering her homeless and stigmatized during a time that requires understanding and support.

We made a plan that she would stay with me during the week and stay at a friend's house (sleeping on a mat on the floor) over weekends. We have been managing, but it’s only been a week into treatment, and as days go on, I already see the effects of treatment wearing her down. It is very difficult to see her bouncing around between different houses or choosing to sleep in her van as to not be a burden to anyone… I realize this plan is not going to be a sustainable one and anticipate her having to stay with me full-time. While I cherish my little apartment, the reality is that it is old and cold, up two flights of steps, full of wild chihuahuas that are constantly trying to escape or eat things that could harm them, has no bathtub—just a shower that runs either ice cold or lava hot—and her “bed” is my 1960s couch that is 100 percent adorable but zero percent functional sleeping space.

My goal is to source funding that will cover costs to book her a suite at an extended stay hotel for the next 5 weeks. For us, it means so much more than a room; it means peace of mind. It means having a dedicated space where I can provide her care and arrange her transportation. It means being able to keep track of important items and not having to constantly lug clothing, important paperwork, and medicine here and there and everywhere. It means a warm, soothing bath after radiation treatment in a very sensitive area; it means a warm floor and insulated windows. It means peace & privacy. A place to laugh and cry, it means healing. These seemingly little things are the biggest challenge for us right now. I have always been a fighter and will support and care for my mom, but I can’t fight my way out of this one financially… I need help. I have exhausted other efforts for aid/grants from support groups and charities and gotten nowhere. We don’t qualify, and where we do qualify, the red tape and process put us months and months out; it feels impossible. I’ve spent hours combing forums and reading stories of other patients' experiences, and my heart just breaks for them and anyone else who has faced rejection and confusion when seeking aid in these overwhelming circumstances, many of these people having even less.

I understand how hard times are for everyone right now and facing the holiday season too, but if you are fortunate enough to spare any donation to our cause, it will truly be cherished and appreciated. If you can’t spare, but you can share, you are truly appreciated too.

Lastly, anyone out there experiencing cancer and feeling helpless, or struggling with any mental health matter… don’t give up, you are loved, you are worthy, you are human. I love you.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story today.