Mom, Fight Like a Girl! ♋️

Family and Friends,

We've decided to use Go Fund Me instead of Meal Train moving forward because mom and dads needs are primarily financial now. Meal Train was a huge blessing the first few months mom was navigating Cancer and you all kept them fed and well loved on! Thank you!

We've chosen $8,400 as our new goal. This is 3 months' rent and will allow my dad to be home with my mom as much as possible during radiation and as she recovers; giving them a little breathing room without the stress of how to make rent.

I think everyone is aware that mom has Breast Cancer and it's the most aggressive kind. With that said, treatment costs, equipment, doctor appts, medications NOT covered my Kaiser and everything in between, cost a fortune and mom and dad are on a very fixed income. They are one rent payment away from the unspeakable. So, here's a little recap of where mom's at in her treatment and why we're asking for more help!

Mom (Miss Lorene, Cookie, Auntie, Grammy) went through all her chemo treatments like the warrior that she is. Always kind to the nurses; smiling her sweet smile, even when rolling veins gave her bruises and hematomas; making friends with others getting chemo and sharing their extreme neuropathy, skin sensitivity, loss of taste and smell, fatigue, nausea and unable to regulate their temperature troubles….mom makes friends wherever she goes and laughter always follows!

When we’d finish a treatment, we’d go to breakfast, smile across the table and talk about being 1 treatment closer to being done! Half glass full.

Mom does not like being the center of attention and does not like being vulnerable and so Cancer has ‘double dipped’ mom into a challenging place and she’s doing a damn good job adjusting.

1 month ago mom had a real scare and my dad phoned me up in Colorado because he couldn’t wake her from a nap. She had slipped into hyperglycemia with her sugars at 45 and was unconscious. But, because she was snoring, dad thought she was just in a deep sleep. The Fire department was called and arrived within 10 minutes. while I was on speaker phone calling out to my mom, (“MOM MOM MOM!”) the medic hooked her up to an IV and after some time, mom came back to us. Confused, scared and feeling like she’s been hit by a bus; she’s still coping with the trauma and life-altering affects the chemo has on her blood sugars. She still hears me screaming her name and says it’s like a nightmare she can’t wake up from. The firefighters were calling her ‘honey’ and using such a tender voice with her as they worked to get her awake. They were our angels that night. Now, she is afraid to go to sleep or even take a nap for fear she won’t wake up.

Shortly after, I flew out and we set her up with a continuous glucose monitor. Wow, what a gem. Although it beeps and beeps and beeps when she’s too high or too low (and is so annoying); it records valuable information and interferes with the possibility of mom slipping into a coma while sleeping. So, we’ll take it. That’s another WIN.

Mom started PT but they only brought her in one time and sent her home with a list of To Do’s…she’s tired, feels sick and has little motivation so she does what she can to get herself ready for radiation on her own, It’s difficult.

Radiation will begin mid April if moms PT has her prepared. She got the orders 2 days ago. She has grade 3 Cancer; not to be confused with Stage 3. Grade 3 means it’s the fastest spreading Cancer and so it’s aggressive. Radiation will be 5 days a week for 5 weeks. Meaning radiation needs to happen as soon as possible. We are still figuring out transportation. We don’t know how mom will be feeling and if she’ll need help with rides. This treatment will be extensive (and expensive) and painful. Mom is trying to keep her spirits up but honestly, it’s a challenge. Her beautiful wall of inspiration and hope has grown and the cards and pictures from friends, family, former students and grandkids truly make her heart smile. She’s reminded that she’s loved and has made a mark in this world through the ‘littles’ she’s invested in over the last 34 years of her life. She’s had the greatest privilege and purpose.

As anyone who has had anything major medical knows…the bills are just rolling in. Mom and dad have worked their whole lives and were never able to save a nest egg; so still at 73, it’s check to check. A scary place to be when you have Cancer. Cancer treatment can chop you off at the knees. The previous donations given, a little more than 3K, allowed mom to get her teeth fixed before chemo, which the Oncologist said she had to have done before treatment began because Chemo cause Stomatitis (mouth ulcers) and could potentially complicate her health. She didn't know how this was going to come to pass and then YOU DONATED almost the exact amount mom needed for the complete oral surgery needed! This was no coincidence. I give God all the credit. Amen.

Mom and dad were humbled by the giving and Amazing meals over the last few months. Thank you for all of those that shared this heavy weight and fed them with such love week after week!

Unfortunately, this journey isn’t over (yet) and there’s still a way to go; emotionally and financially mom and dad still need us. If you feel led to pray, call, message, text, offer rides to radiation and back, send notes and pictures, positive energy and/or continue to share in the financial burden, we are all more grateful than we will ever be able to express in a whole lifetime.

This platform keeps 10% of all donations which is worth it to have the reach it has. However, if you feel led to donate, you can also use other platforms such as Venmo (Lorene-Sheridan) Zelle (Tim Sheridan) and checks are always welcome and can be sent directly to mom and dad at 1196 Fruitdale Ave San Jose, 95126

This time next year, we are bringing mom and dad to Mexico, to witness their grand-daughters marriage to the love of her life. What a great day that will be. Our whole family together, all this behind her; with beach, ocean, sunshine and her favorite Peña Colada in hand…..It’s good to have something to look forward to and so by God’s mercy and good grace, we keep HOPE.

Thank you again to everyone who reads this through! This is life and we are grateful to be on this journey with YOU!

We love you mom and you are not alone. Not ever!