Battling Cancer with Alice Sibley Downey

Hi, my name is James Downey, and I am reaching out to share the journey of my incredible mom, Alice Sibley Downey. For years, my mom has been a beacon of strength and love in our family and the wider community. Her life has been a testament to resilience, faith, and the unwavering spirit of a true fighter.

My mom has faced numerous challenges, including a courageous battle against breast cancer and two prior battles with ovarian cancer. Each time she was diagnosed, she approached her treatment with hope and determination, believing firmly that she could overcome any obstacle. Her ability to maintain a positive outlook, even during the darkest moments, has inspired not only our family but everyone who knows her.

Throughout her life, my mom has been dedicated to her family, her work, and her faith. As an employee of Ford Motor Company, she poured her heart into her job, where she played a critical role in projects that impacted many lives. She even contributed to the manufacturing of ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing her commitment to helping others in times of need.

But beyond her professional accomplishments, my mom is a devoted mother and grandmother. Family gatherings have always been a source of joy for her, filled with laughter, stories, and love. She has a unique ability to bring everyone together, and her home has always been a welcoming space for friends and family alike. Her warmth and generosity know no bounds, and she has always made it a priority to support others, whether it’s through acts of kindness or simply being there to listen.

Faith has been the cornerstone of my mom’s life. She believes deeply in God’s presence and guidance, and her spirituality has carried her through her toughest battles. Even as she faces stage 4 ovarian cancer, she often reminds us that God is with her and that she is not alone in this fight. This faith has given her the strength to persevere, and it has inspired all of us to hold onto hope.

Currently, however, my mom is facing her most challenging fight yet. The cancer has progressed to a point where fluid is accumulating around her lungs, making it difficult for her to breathe. She requires weekly drainage procedures to and include monitoring or drainage, and each session is a painful reminder of the toll this disease takes on her body. As of now, she is hospitalized and on oxygen, with her weight having dropped significantly from 185 pounds to around 100 pounds.

On top of this, my mom is on short-term medical leave from her job, and unfortunately, the payments she is receiving are insufficient to cover her medical expenses, daily needs, and bills. A miscalculation by the overseeing company has left her in a precarious financial situation, with her accounts frequently in the negative. This financial stress adds to the burden she is already carrying, and it is heartbreaking to see her worry about her loved ones while she is fighting for her life.

Compounding these challenges is her genetic mutation, BRCA2, which complicates her treatment options. After a recent chemotherapy treatment nearly depleted her red blood cells, her doctors have had to stop all chemotherapy due to severe allergies. The only remaining option is a targeted gene therapy pill, but its effectiveness remains uncertain. Discussions about hospice care have become a regular part of her medical conversations, and her oncologist has mentioned palliative care, she is a very strong-willed person and constantly overcomes and time limit that they may give her.

Despite these daunting challenges, my mom continues to hold onto her dreams and her faith. One of her greatest joys has always been traveling and spending quality time with family. We hope to fulfill her wish of visiting Kentucky to see the horse park and spend precious time with loved ones, creating moments of joy and connection amid this tough time.

She was a part of the UAW Stand up strike and was among a convoy that traveled from Detroit to Toledo, while doing Chemotherapy. She was also a part of the Ford line that created and implemented the Ford Bronco revitalization and comeback of the Bronco. She was proud to be among a team that brought inspiration to the Big Three Strike.

To support my mom during this critical chapter of her life, we have set up this GoFundMe campaign. All funds raised will go directly to her medical expenses, including treatments, medications, and everyday living costs. Your generosity can make a profound difference in alleviating her financial burden and allowing her to focus on her health and well-being.

If you are unable to donate, we deeply appreciate your prayers, love, and support. Your encouraging words can uplift her spirit during this challenging time. Additionally, sharing this post within your community can help us reach more people who may wish to contribute.

Thank you for taking the time to read my mom’s story. Your support means the world to us and shows her that she is not alone in this fight. Together, we can uplift her spirit and help her continue to shine as the remarkable woman she has always been.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Her kids, and her wonderful support system