Join Dorretta's Fight for a Better Life

Hello extended family, friends, colleagues and all who come across this! I have created this to share updates as well as ask for support. As some of you may know, my family, in particular, my mother Dorretta, had a difficult 2023. Personally, I was still dealing with the sudden passing of my boyfriend Vincent when my mom had a severe infection in her legs (dialysis complication) that almost took her away from us. After three surgeries to remove the infection, two skin grafts, two months in the hospital, she was designated to a rehab facility for the latter part of the year to recover. She is relearning how to walk and regain motor skill abilities. In addition, she is battling severe depression as she adapts to this experience. Being her eldest child, I undertook the task of assuming primary financial and medical responsibilities for her. My younger brother Alex lives in Santa Rosa and has helped as much as possible. She still cannot walk or stand without assistance. She cannot perform daily tasks like making food or dressing herself unsupervised. This has become more difficult due to the progression of her neuropathy. It’s a degenerative nerve condition where nerves in the hands and feet weaken over time. To further exacerbate the situation, my mother was dismissed from her job at the Felton Institute after 16 years. After her discharge from rehab, the only option was to move her into my one bedroom apartment with my cats and I. This of course is all while I am working full time. So I instantly became a full time care taker in addition to my full time job. Because that’s what you do for family. For your mother.  And she would tell you herself, this was more than we expected or ever imagined we could handle. We just weren't prepared. But who in life is for such a thing? I don't know if I could rise to such a challenge. But my mother has. Day in and day out she fights. She is still not 100% independent and may never be again but we're hopeful that therapy will help her improve overtime. I don't know how she does it but she finds a way. She wills it. And that's why I am here, in more ways than one, because of her. I, along with my brother Alex and some amazing friends have been tirelessly working to get her house ready for her return. But we need help. I wish I could do more but I just don't have the means and we have already exhausted most options. So that brings me to you. I don't know how well you know me, or my mom our our family. But you're reading this, at least I hope you are. Or you've shared it and someone else is. And if that's the most you can do at this time, I thank you. For those of you who can do more-text or call, spend time with us, come to the house and help or the reason for this whole fundraiser, financially donate to the cause, I thank you too! Now that I've pulled at your heart strings a bit, let me share the plan. Most of this money is going towards making her home more accessible as she still mainly uses a wheelchair:

$6,000-kitchen update with lower cabinets, new sub floor and flooring, countertop and sink replacement

$12,000-removal and replacement of external wall and beam (mold from rainy season and leaky roof)

$2,000-interior painting, blinds, storage for her dialysis supplies, armoire for her bedroom (she had a bathroom remodel in 2020 and used the closet from her bedroom to create that space)

I am so grateful for the blessing that is my mother. I would not be the person I am without her love and support. From my brother, myself and most importantly my mom (I read this to her for approval), THANK YOU!