Moms Do the Hardest Things
Thank you for the pinky promises on Mother’s Day, Little Jane, when you were fighting for life at age 17 with brain cancer, that you would love us bigger from heaven if Mom kept going. Because of you, not only your mom refuses to quit, but many other moms are finishing strong.
Mother’s Day at Jane’s Fund often looks different, because many moms are simply too busy carrying the weight of everyday survival.
For many, the day is spent beside a hospital bed. For others, it means working extra shifts to cover groceries, rent, utilities, or school supplies. Carrying fear, exhaustion, financial stress, and unimaginable grief, moms fighting for their child’s life or future refuse to quit.
These moms rarely ask for help. They simply keep going.
This Mother’s Day, we honor a few of the incredible mothers who not only inspire us, but remind us why your support matters. By lifting a small burden — a car paid off, mortgage assistance, a new computer for a graduating senior, or a camp scholarship — we get to witness something powerful: relief, hope, and the chance for families to breathe again.
Kailey, age 6 — relapsed neuroblastoma
When Atrium social worker Emily tells Kailey’s mom she will never have to worry about missing cancer treatments because Jane’s Fund has paid off her car,
$14,198, she bursts into tears. Kailey immediately hugs her and says, “It’s okay mommy,” and through tears her mom replies, “These are happy tears, baby.”
Kailey and her mom.
Penelope, age 2 — lymphoma
One pregnant mom found the strength to thank Jane’s Fund for funeral assistance, rent support, and help preparing for her baby boy on the way, $12,093, all while grieving the loss of her two-year-old daughter, Penelope, who passed away from treatment complications related to lymphoma.
A thank-you note from Penelope’s family.
Natasha, mom of Carter, age 6 — DIPG brain cancer
After Jane’s Fund provided months of rent support and paid off the family car, $58,762, Natasha shared shortly before Carter died:
“Today has been incredibly emotional, but in the most beautiful way. I’ve probably cried four times, all for good reasons. I feel more joy and relief than I have since Carter’s diagnosis. The love and support I felt today reminded me just how surrounded I am. That love gave me a strength I didn’t realize I was missing. Knowing there’s a community out there willing to help carry some of the weight I’ve been holding on my own is the most comforting, overwhelming, and wonderful feeling. It’s given me the boost I needed to keep fighting and keep going.”
— Natasha
Carter, age 6.
Your generosity gave these brave moms the strength to keep going — with hope.
Please help Jane’s Fund provide more opportunities for hard-working mothers to feel loved and supported, because when moms can keep fighting, kids win.
Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Jane’s Fund.
Whatever hard thing life is throwing at you today, Moms, keep going!
*Names and photos may be changed to protect a family's privacy.
