Hi, my name is Tina, and I'm reaching out with a heavy but hopeful heart. I’m the daughter and full-time caregiver of Sandy Ray, a woman who has already endured loss and pain (her journey is documented in the new HBO film The Alabama Solution). But she now faces her greatest battle yet.

For years, my mother has lived with severe COPD, surviving on only 18% lung capacity, with the help of oxygen tanks and daily nebulizer treatments. Recently, her condition has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. Doctors have told us that her only chance at survival is a lung transplant.

Thankfully, Sandy's doctors report she qualifies for the transplant, and she is currently awaiting notice of coverage for the procedure from her health insurance. Even with insurance, the path forward is long, complicated, and financially overwhelming.

A Mother, a Fighter, and a Caregiver

Despite her health challenges, Sandy is a warrior. She’s been fighting for justice ever since her son, my brother, Steven Davis, was tragically killed by guards at Alabama’s notorious Donaldson prison. Since losing Steven, Sandy has dedicated herself to fighting for justice so other families don’t have to go through what we did.

In 2023, my mother moved from Alabama to Texas with her husband, TL, who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of dementia. Despite her own health problems, she became his primary caregiver, as his independence rapidly declined. I’ve been doing all I can to support them both while working full-time night shifts as an operational manager for a trucking logistics company.

But now, with her health compromised, we can’t do it alone.

Why we need your help

While insurance will cover part of the transplant and treatment, there are critical costs we simply cannot manage on our own. These include:

I am an army veteran, and have been independent since age 19. I pride myself on self-reliance, and never ask for help. I don’t like being the center of attention. But for my mom, I’ll do anything. And right now, that means asking for support from friends, loved ones, and kind strangers — to help a woman who has spent her life fighting for others.

Every Dollar Makes a Difference

Our most urgent goal is to raise $24,000, which will allow us to immediately hire a night nurse to care for both TL and Sandy while I’m at work. This amount will cover their care for the next six months, ensuring their safety and stability during this critical time.

Our long-term goal is to raise an additional $50,000 to support travel and accommodations in Dallas for Sandy’s transplant and recovery, as well as ongoing care for her in Dallas, while the night nurse continues caring for TL back home in Killeen. (This is an estimate, assuming insurance will fully cover her medical costs.)

Even the smallest donation means the world to us — and if you’re unable to give, please consider sharing this campaign with friends who might be able to help.

My mother has always believed in standing up for others. Now, she needs others to stand for her.

With gratitude,

Tina