My mother, a Brazilian American immigrant has spent her life caring for our family. A steadfast and committed woman to her husband children and grandchildren. I’ve always known my mother was a strong woman.  I saw her mettle tested over the last year while she faced surgery, chemo and radiation therapy.

Faced it, truly, with her shoulders squared and her quiet strength throughout. She worked through her entire treatment, cleaning homes. I filled in for her on days she just couldn’t muster the strength. I watched as she climbed the stairs in homes scooting her way up—too tired to walk them while she wiped away dirt and grime as she went. She worked to care for the clients homes she’s been cleaning alongside my father for more than thirty years, even weighing only 80 lbs and barely an appetite in sight.

My folks have never asked for help. Even while I was growing up and we could have used resources like food stamps. It took my own adulthood to learn that asking for help and utilizing resources as a strength. My parents work cleaning houses and are self employed. Any earnings they make cover their expenses. They don’t have savings, they trust in their ability to work to provide for themselves. I am the one crowdsourcing for help because I understand it’s not a route they would know how to navigate. I’m asking for help to pay their medical debt which was not covered by her Medicare. The insurance industry has been a nightmare to deal with and as their English speaking adult child I’ve taken on the task to apply on their behalf. I’ve done what I can, sitting with my mom for eight hour infusion days, working in her place so she could rest. Took her to her salon appointment for her wig (she’s a Leo and vanity is ever important!) I do what I can. I wish I could take their financial burden away as well. I’m a single parent so my own path has not been easy. But I am blessed and do not complain about my lot in life. I wish only to bring my mother relief, for all that she’s withstood to continue being here with us.