Hi, my name is Anita. I am asking that you support Valerie Hudson during this challenging time in her life. I am a former resident of Blythe and know that Blythe is a kind and close-knit community, ready to offer help and support. I ask that my friends, family and associates also contribute. Thank you in advance for your kindness. Here is Valerie’s journey from sunshine to darkness.

April was to be a month of joy and celebration. Valerie Hudson and Tom had been planning their wedding for well over a year.

Instead, on a routine visit to the Doctor’s office, Valerie was asked if she had had a recent mammogram; her last had been a couple of years prior. And so the doctor said get one scheduled.

On November 15, 2021, Valerie went in for her mammogram. Ugh, we women know what that feels like. And boy, are we happy when it is over. Of course, there is always the slight worried thought that passes as to the outcome. Most of us trust that everything will be ok as we wait the couple of weeks for the test results. Few of us receive news that will turn our world topsy turvy.

On November 23, 2021, Valerie got those horrible results. “you have tested positive for the big C.” It is really hard to breathe after receiving an unexpected blow. So what to do now? First, you breathe and let the news register. Then you cry.

And Valerie, being the strong, stoic person that she is; begins to take action. Phone calls to make doctor's appointments. The first few appointments reveal the cancer is caught very, very early. A biopsy, an MRI and all will be well. No worries!

Then, the MRI and the news. Your cancer is very aggressive. A mastectomy and chemo! Two and half months of chemo.

Life can bring events to make you stronger than you ever thought you could reach!

Now, Tom is diagnosed with Covid, spends 33 days in the hospital-touch and go! More would be unbearable!! Yet more is to come. Long Covid, and OMG, Tom is rushed to Loma Linda for an unrelated bleed. And double OMG, Melanoma.

The doctor’s trips to the Coachella Valley and Loma Linda are coming 2 – 4 times a week. Waiting for good news; instead, $5 gallon for gas. Money is short, and bills are mounting.

Valerie is now told she has to have five weeks of daily radiation.

Tom is waiting for results on the melanoma treatment protocol; the future holds weeks and months of trips to the doctor. And treatments.

Blythe, you know Valerie and Tom. You know them because in the many years they have lived in Blythe, in one way or another, they have done a kindness to you, a friend, or a member of your family.

The mounting cost of insurance co-pays, non-covered expenses, out-of-work, and travel expenses has resulted in a stressful financial burden. Please consider giving to help relieve some of this cost from Valerie and Tom.

Your financial support and prayers are so appreciated.