Support Vicki in her 2nd battle with cancer

Anyone that really knows me, knows the relationship I have with my mother.

I was too young to truly understand her first fight with breast cancer. At only 27 years old, she braved a lumpectomy and thirty-two sessions of radiation, that wiped-out her bank account entirely only to emerge a victorious cancer survivor. The scariest chapter of our life was now a thing of the past.

We thought.

This past November, my mother was once again on the receiving end of a life-altering diagnosis. Her breast cancer has returned with a vengeance. It was invasive. It was painful. This diagnosis has given way to tears, fears and uncertainty.

This time, for my fifty-four-year-old mother, a double mastectomy was in order. Thankfully the surgery was successful, however the fight is far from over. As the physical pain slowly subsides with each passing day, the financial toll continues to mount. In just over a month, her out-of-pocket costs have already exceeded over six-thousand dollars and the new year only promises to bring other high priced hospital bills with more tests and possible chemotherapy. Her out-of-pocket bills for testing and treatment in 2022 could greatly exceed what she has already paid. Add to that, as she knows all too well, are the anticipated astronomical medical expenses not covered by health insurance.

Since this renewed battle began, Vicki quickly has exhausted all her leave and has been making ends meet without the benefit of a full paycheck but with the gracious support of close friends and family.

What many people may not know about my mother is the quiet sacrifice she’s made for years to support our family in the Philippines. My grandmother has advanced dementia, and my aunt is her full-time caregiver. They rely on what Vicki sends them monthly to meet the most basic needs of food, clothing and shelter. Their fate too now hangs in the balance.

As this year ends, it is uncertain when she will be able to go back to work full time as an optician. What is certain is the long, arduous road to recovery that lies ahead for her. I know behind her brave smile, my mom struggles with the agonizing worry that she will struggle to maintain not only her physical health, but our family’s financial well-being as well. We would give anything to ease her concerns and make it all better. But I’ve had to come to terms with my own sobering reality; there is only so much I can give or do.

I have never been one to ask for help, but here I stand today, a proud son asking if you would be willing to make any type of financial contribution to offset the financial burden my mother must bear. No matter the size of the donation, anything will be appreciated in round two of this courageous battle.

Thank you

-Sammy