Hello all, my name is Zoey. I am the proud daughter of my mom, Elizabeth. I am starting this fundraiser for her.

My mom is, and always has been, the truest example of what a strong woman is in my eyes. She is a mom of three. She has loved and supported me and everyone in our family. She’s guided us, forgiven us, and loved us more than our mistakes — more times than I can count. She gave me grace when I was a teenager, and she gave my father grace through his addiction journey. She always put us first. She always helped. She always allowed us to lean on her.

My mom didn’t tell me about her cancer until we got confirmation that I would be graduating high school. She knew about my mental health struggles and didn’t want the news to affect my education. Nothing prepares you for the moment the woman you admire most tells you that her body has been silently fighting cancer for three years especially when she says she hid it so you could chase your future without worry.

What broke me the most was realizing she faced that terrifying reality alone. That while I was being a stubborn sixteen-year-old, she was quietly fighting for her life, and still showing up for everyone else. That’s just who she is.

That’s why I’m starting this GoFundMe for her. She won’t accept any money I’m making right now as a college student. When I offer, she gets teary-eyed and says, “I know, I know.” She’s the only working adult in our home since my dad became disabled, and despite the pain and exhaustion from chemotherapy, she still goes to work every day to keep my dad, my brother, and herself afloat.

The treatments have started to take her energy, her strength, and even her teeth. Despite it she keeps fighting. She’s always been my reason to live, my anchor through my dad’s addiction, and the heart that’s kept our family together. Now, I’m asking for help to give her the same care and support she’s always given everyone else.

Every donation will go toward her cancer treatments, mammograms, breast removal surgery, dental expenses, transportation to appointments, and easing the financial strain that keeps her from focusing on healing.

My mom has always been the one to hold everyone else up. Now it’s our turn to hold her.