Helping Maggie Transition in Dignity
Donation protected
My mother was diagnosed with Stage IV liver and colon cancer two years ago. A non drinker, non smoker, all around healthy woman still happily working into her 70s before her diagnosis, the cancer was a total surprise and it turned her world upside down, stealing her peace, her small retirement savings and, most preciously, her good health.
Since the diagnosis, she's endured grueling chemotherapy once every two weeks for months and has handled it largely alone, save for my assistance as her primary caregiver. She was hospitalized for a week after a near-death experience this past fall and it's been a steady decline since then.
But over many a day and night, she has continued to square off with this vicious disease solo and uncertain of what comes next. Her optimism and kindness, even now as she begins to transition towards the end, is truly a testament to the strength of her character.
Unfortunately, she is deteriorating and hospice is now involved. Medical expenses have tanked both my savings and hers in recent years and now, end of life/caretaking expenses are becoming increasingly unwieldy.
Asking for help on her behalf is extraordinarily awkward and uncomfortable because my mother is a proud woman with a profound work ethic who never accepted charity before. She was, however, always a woman willing to give away what little she had to someone else if they really needed it and I hope, as her daughter, I can facilitate a small return on the good karma she created all those years.
At this stage in her journey, with backs against the wall, one of the last things I would like to do for her in this life is to ensure she has everything she needs to live out her remaining days in comfort and peace.
Funds will go toward multiple expenses but primarily the hourly nursing care not covered by hospice but desperately needed to ensure she has a dignified death when that time comes.
Other donations will be used to shore up funeral expenses when that time comes.
Since the diagnosis, she's endured grueling chemotherapy once every two weeks for months and has handled it largely alone, save for my assistance as her primary caregiver. She was hospitalized for a week after a near-death experience this past fall and it's been a steady decline since then.
But over many a day and night, she has continued to square off with this vicious disease solo and uncertain of what comes next. Her optimism and kindness, even now as she begins to transition towards the end, is truly a testament to the strength of her character.
Unfortunately, she is deteriorating and hospice is now involved. Medical expenses have tanked both my savings and hers in recent years and now, end of life/caretaking expenses are becoming increasingly unwieldy.
Asking for help on her behalf is extraordinarily awkward and uncomfortable because my mother is a proud woman with a profound work ethic who never accepted charity before. She was, however, always a woman willing to give away what little she had to someone else if they really needed it and I hope, as her daughter, I can facilitate a small return on the good karma she created all those years.
At this stage in her journey, with backs against the wall, one of the last things I would like to do for her in this life is to ensure she has everything she needs to live out her remaining days in comfort and peace.
Funds will go toward multiple expenses but primarily the hourly nursing care not covered by hospice but desperately needed to ensure she has a dignified death when that time comes.
Other donations will be used to shore up funeral expenses when that time comes.
Organizer
Brandi Buchman
Organizer
Gaithersburg, MD