Caring for Mattie Dean: Funds for Final Arrangements

Hello, my name is Haylie Wallace, and I am creating this GoFundMe to ask for your support during a heartbreaking time for our family.

My Nanna, Mattie Helen Dean (78), has spent the past year battling severe illnesses and multiple hospital stays. Her most recent hospital stay has left her diagnosed with lymphoma in her neck, chest, and stomach—along with the possibility of lung cancer. She does not have the lung or heart strength to undergo surgery to perform biopsies or remove the cancerous tumors.

Her doctors, and my mother, Denice Lopez, have made the most difficult decision and the remaining time of my Nanna’s life will be spent at home surrounded by family and loved ones rather than undergoing the grueling toll that cancer treatment would take on her body. She is being sent home from the hospital to spend her final months/days on hospice care. When patients are put on hospice care, they are given a prognosis of less than six months.

While hospice care is covered by Medicare, there are still significant costs associated with what comes next. My mom is doing everything she can to care for her mother in her final days, but as you can imagine, the financial burden of end of life expenses is overwhelming during this emotional time.

We are asking for help with the costs of my Nanna’s cremation and end of life. My Nanna does not have a life insurance policy, and after researching different costs, the lowest cost for cremation services we could find were around $2,000. Every dollar will go toward ensuring that my grandmother is given the respect and dignity she deserves in her final resting place. Anything over this amount will go towards helping my mom navigate the unexpected financial strain during an already difficult time.

We understand that not everyone is able to contribute financially, but your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this campaign, would mean the world to our family. Any help, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, positive vibes, and for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.

With gratitude, light, and love,

Haylie Wallace