For me, Mother's Day is not just about my mom, but also about family, because family was everything to my mom. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was pregnant with me. She dealt with her cancer on-and-off for eleven years, until October 21, 2014. She passed away in her sleep that morning at the hospital. 

My mom endured her cancer with elegance and grace, not letting it stand in her way. She dealt with chemotherapy, treatments, surgeries, all so that she could have another day with my siblings and I. Her family. My brother and sister have shown me what it means to honor my mom through service and compassion. This Mother’s Day I want to join them and begin my #onething. 

My RaiseLove campaign is part of my #onething because the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) represent families. With your contributions, we can Adopt-A-Room at the Ronald McDonald House here in Austin.

My family was fortunate enough that my mom received her care here in Austin, and after her treatments, she was able to return home. Others aren't that fortunate. When families are faced with a child’s illness, life can stop overnight, and a family can be sent into a world of fear and worry. There's always the added stress of how can I be there for my child. Families are not just dealing with the illness but try to balance cost of living expenses, the long drives to see their child at the hospital, perhaps even a lost job. These are extra burdens that no parent should be expected to go through.

Thankfully, RMHC in Central Texas is able to help when it’s needed most. My family taught me not just about love but how to be there for one another. Together we can be there for a family in need. With your help, I would love to reach my goal so that we can announce the room adoption on July 14, 2020, which would be my mom, Maureen, and my dad’s 30th wedding anniversary.