We bleed teal for Kim Nelson

My name is Alicia, I am Kim Nelson's youngest daughter. My mom, Kim is fifty-three years old. She is an incredibly loving, caring, kind-hearted mother, wife, grandmother (aka mimi), sister, aunt, daughter, friend, and so much more . Kim is the kind of person who will brighten your day with just her smile and laugh alone. She loves to meet new people, enjoys going to the beach, and spending time with her family, friends, and grandchildren. Starting back in July, 2016 my mom was complaining of excessive amount of pain and bloating in her lower abdomen. She was so bloated that she literally looked like she was 5 months pregnant and was even asked by strangers when her baby was due! From there on, my mom continuously went to her physician complaining of these symptoms but her physician misdiagnosed and was given a prescription to help for pain and discomfort. She tried the medicine but of course, the medicine didn't work; the pain and swelling continued and increasingly worsened. She scheduled appointments after appointments with her physician months on end but her concerns and symptoms were being ignored. No blood work, tests or examines were done. The symptoms she was experiencing escalated to the point where she couldn't take the pain any longer so, on January 21, 2017 we all received a call that my mom was rushed to the emergency room at WCA Hospital in Jamestown, N.Y. Come to find out the E.R. doctor said that the ct scan showed that her intestines were all intertwined around a tumor in lower abdomen. From there, the E.R. doctor had my mom rushed into the ambulance to Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. After more tests were run, it came to find out that she was diagnosed with stage 3 Ovarian cancer. Three days later, she went through surgery.The Roswell team removed not just one tumor but two tumors, her appendix and drained three liters of fluid out of her lower abdomen. The head surgeon told us that the one tumor was the size of a football, and the other tumor was the size of a cantaloupe. The Roswell team did the best they could at removing as much of the cancer out as they could.The cancer that they weren't able to remove is near her colon so, now she is having to go through chemotherapy. Kim has a long, taxing journey a head of her but through God, family, and friends' love, faith and support anything is possible! No child, parent, loved one, or friend should ever have to hear/or see someone they love battling cancer nor should anyone have to experience battling cancer themselves. I'm here for everyone's help and support to keep my mom in their thoughts and prayers and to please donate to help with Kim's medical bills and any other expenses going towards her treatment; any contribution will help! My family and I would truly appreciate it! Thank you so much and God bless!!

My mom (Kim) after her surgery at Roswell Park Cancer Institute  receiving a hug from her granddaughter Aryella reassuring her (mimi) that she was going to be okay

Feb. 14, 2017 about to receive her first round of chemo. My mom is stronger than she thinks. 
March 14, 2017 receiving her 2nd round of chemo. 4 days before this day was an extremely, difficult day. A day both my mom and myself will never forget. March 10, 2017 my mom went in and took a shower, when she got out of the shower her hair was all a knotted up, tangled, mushy mess. I tried everything to get the knots out. I gently pulled piece by piece for about 20mins and was hardly getting anywhere. She held it together so well and just held my hand and looked at me and said, "Alicia, it's going to be okay just cut it off. We have no choice in the matter. Everything is going to be okay." As soon as she said this, I broke down crying refusing to cut it. I tried and tried unsuccessfully for about another 10 mins until I got to the point when I realized that my mom was right; we really didn't have a choice in the matter. I had to let go and realize that it was time. I know it's "just hair" that it will grow back but no words could ever express or explain what we both felt in this moment and will be a part of us forever.