Enhancing the Quality of Life for my mom as she Battles with Pancreatic Cancer

At the beginning of this year, my mom was a full time teacher who went far above her job description to educate, encourage and enrich the lives of primary aged children in a small Christian school. She wore many hats such as being a mentor to beginning teachers, production leader and Associate Principal. She was completely healthy, actively involved in church and simply loved life to the fullest.

Approximately 5 months ago, she felt a lump within her abdomen and was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which was confirmed to be an aggressive adenocarcinoma on a biopsy. My mom underwent four rounds of chemotherapy with the most aggressive form of treatment available requiring her to have invasive procedures such as a portocath insertion, frequent CT scans and further biopsies.

The chemotherapy was unsuccessful and my mom was encouraged to stop treatment as the cancer had grown, blocking part of her intestine and had also spread to her liver.

My mom has gone from being a fully independent and active woman, to one reliant on hundreds of medications to just get through the day. She is obviously unable to work and finds simple activities such as bathing extremely tiring.

All funds raised will only be used to enhance the quality of the remaining time that my mom has with us and to reduce the financial strain currently experienced by us all, but in particular my dad. We have all exhusted our sick leave.

My mom is the kindest and most humble woman I know, she has given so much time to others and has devoted her life to inspiring children and being a wonderful wife and mother.