Support Candace, a Courageous Mother’s Battle

Hi, my name is Katy and I am fundraising for my lifelong friend, Candace.

For the last two years, Candace has been fighting a battle with esophageal cancer. Last year she experienced severe complications, and her oncologist was forced to stop treatment. Then, in July, the tumor was no longer visible. Candace was filled with hope and faith in God that she was healed! In addition to this wonderful news, after being told she could never get pregnant again, she and her husband, Chad, were delighted to find out they had conceived! Candace has two other birth children, Bella (14) and Dorado (7). She is also blessed with two other “bonus” daughters, Chloe & Aubrie.

Unfortunately, the tumor reappeared and started to cause complications with the pregnancy in mid-April. Candace landed back in the ICU for critical care. It was then that she was given the news that her cancer had returned, and she was in danger of losing her life due to continuous loss of blood. She was 25 weeks pregnant at the time of her admission. Due to the severity of the complications and her need for life-saving treatment, the medical team decided to deliver emergently via c-section. Despite the odds, both lives were saved and Esther Marvella was born on April 24th, 2023 at 11:59 am at 25 weeks and 6 days. Welcome, sweet Esther. You are so loved!

Now...The uphill battle has only just begun for Candace and her family. Here are some of the complications they now face.

1. Esther will need Neonatal Intensive Care several months to remain stable and grow.

2. Candace will need treatment for her recurrence and the complications associated.

3. Let's not forget they have two other children at home to be cared for .

4. At some point, Chad will need to return to some form of work… as life around them keeps spinning while he is wanting and needing to be by his wife’s side.

5. The critical care hospital that Candace and Esther are at is 7 hours away from her home, round trip.

6. The adult ICU (Candace) is in a different building than the neonatal ICU (Esther). This means that arranging for mother and baby to bond takes a coordinated health care team to accomplish.

7. The hospital bills will continue to accumulate, while groceries, child care, gas and newborn items will all need to be provided for.

I am asking that we come together to help support Candace and her family during this extremely difficult time. Please send your love and support, prayers, well wishes, and donations to this family in need.

For current updates please visit

https://www.facebook.com/groups/209650231194604

You can also read Candace’s encouraging message below:

“Welcome To the World:

Esther Marvella

Born on April 24th 2023 @ 11:59am.

25 weeks 6 days

1LB 12 ounces, 12.5 inches.

Esther made her very early and very unexpected arrival in the midst of a critical emergency with her Momma & fought so strong through it all!

This week has not gone like any of us imagined. But all that matters, TODAY, is we are all alive, stable and have this precious new miracle.

Mommy and Esther have a long road ahead so please keep us all in your continued prayers, along with Chad and all Esther’s siblings as we navigate these next few months!

Meaning of her Names:

Esther : Was Born for such a time as this! The name Esther was given to Queen Esther to PROTECT HER as she was born with a purpose, to save her people. My Esther has ALREADY saved my life and I know, she will continue to touch and save many more lives, for the rest of hers!

Marvella: Miracle to marvel at; Wonderful, extraordinary!”

-courageous mother, Candace