Five years ago, my mom received the gift of life through both a liver and kidney transplant. She has faced every challenge since then with incredible courage, but this past year has brought more battles than anyone should ever have to endure. It all began when she went in for what was supposed to be a routine dental cleaning. During the appointment, the dentist noticed unusual bumps around her tonsils and referred her to a specialist immediately. That visit changed everything. After further testing, she was was diagnosed with throat cancer. The cancer was aggressive, and she underwent a 16-hour surgery to remove it. The surgery left her with a trach, which has caused daily struggles- from difficulty breathing to constant coughing and severe mucus attacks. Following surgery, she endured months of radiation and chemotherapy, but through determination and strength as well as me by her side, she was able to completely overcome the throat cancer.
Recovery, however, was far from easy. The doctors had placed a plate in her jaw during the surgery, which later became the reason for multiple hospital stays lasting days at a time, constant drainage, and ongoing pain. She endured several more surgeries as the doctors tried to find the cause, and finally, they determined the plate was the source of the infections. Only after removing it did the pain and infections begin to improve, though the toll it took on her body and spirit was immense. On top of the physical pain, she also struggled deeply with her self-image. Because the surgery had altered her appearance so much, she didn`t want to leave the house for months. She avoided seeing friends and family, often saying she felt “deformed” or “like a monster,” even though to us she has always been beautiful and strong.
Just when we thought the hardest part was behind her, devastating news arrived again. A few months ago, doctors found new cancerous spots around her pancreas and liver. They have run multiple tests, scans, and procedures trying to determine where this cancer came from, but still nothing has been found. With no known origin, they have classified it as stage 4 cancer of unknown primary. For treatment purposes, they are approaching it as pancreatic cancer, and she is now back in chemotherapy-treatment her doctors believe she will need for the rest of her life.
My mom has shown incredible resilience through every surgery, every setback, and every round of treatment. Still, this long fight has taken a heavy physical, emotional, and financial toll. We are asking for support during this difficult time to help ease the burden of medical bills, ongoing treatments, and daily living costs so she can focus her strength on continuing this fight. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference and mean the world to our family.
Through all of this, my mom continues to be an inspiration. She has faced trials that would break most people, yet she keeps fighting with courage and determination. Your generosity will not only help cover her medical needs but will also remind her that she is not fighting this battle alone. With your love, prayers, and support, we know she can keep pushing forward with hope.
Even if you are unable to donate, please pass this along to anyone you can and please keep her and others going through the constant fight, in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you and God Bless.