KARENS FIGHT

My mother, Karen Gushue at the age of 49 has lung and spine cancer. But this wasn't the only tragic moment that has happened in her life. It all started when she was 14 years old. My mom was in a car accident, leading to the whole left side of her face, damaged. She was left blind in her left eye and 70% deaf in her left ear. This also left her in a coma for 5 days and in the hospital for about 1 month. Just 4 years later, my mom was told that she only had 10 hours to live if she was not diagnosed. Fortunaly, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. She has been diabetic since then, which is about 31 years. 20 years later, she had me, Julia. Unfortunaly, I was 6 weeks early and was hypoglycemic, with my sugar as low as 10. This was a cause of me giving my mother insulin so she would survive. I didn't come home for 22 days. Just at the age of six, I was then diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, which later developed to type 1. After my mother's pregnacy with me, she had severe weight loss and has never gained it back. She also suffers from leg neuropathy which prevents her from walking long distances. But, it does not stop there. Just 10 years later, she had a tragic stroke with my older brother Louis. From that, she has suffered some memory loss and has lesions on her brain. My mom was in the hospital for about 1 week before returning home. Then just a year later, she suffered a heart attack with me by her side. She was then rushed to the hospital and had energency surgery for serve heart disease. Exactly 1 year later, my mother was diagnosed unfortunaly with stage 4 lung cancer. Since it wad found too late, it can not be removed. It has already begun to spread. My mother has a series of chemotherapy treatments every Thursday. She stays there for 6 hours before returning home. Because of her treatments, she only has 1 good day a week. These treatments have been making her exteremly sick. Little things such as cooking have become extremly difficult for her. She is no longer able to work and with being a single mother, things have been even more of a struggle for her. My mom has done nothing but wonderful things for me throughout my entire life. Now today, it is my turn to try and help her. With your help and prayers, I know my mom will get through this. I know everyone may not be in the best position to help but every dollar and even penny can make a big difference in our lives. So I am asking you to please find it in your hearts to help Karen fight this horrible disease. Thank you so much for your time and may god bless you and your families. Love, Julia Rose.