**A "Last Chance" Voyage Turned Into a Medical Emergency**

A few years ago, my Mother, Carol Hobbs (82 years old) was diagnosed with cancer. It is a “treatable” cancer, meaning they can shrink spots with chemo and radiation, but it is not curable - so it just continues to spread and pop up in new locations. For the past several years she has been bravely battling this awful disease. She has been through surgery, radiation, IV chemo, and is now on a chemo pill and immunotherapy for life. Last year, after a scary episode where her lungs were filling up with fluid due to new spots popping up, she began making a "bucket list" of things she wanted to do while she was still able. The main thing on that list was to go on a cruise. She loved going when she was younger and had been on a couple of them in the past. She talked a few of her sisters, friends and other family members into going with her. So the plans were made, and she saved up her money to go on one last big vacation.

But life has its own plans... While enjoying what should have been one of those carefree days at sea, my mom started feeling unwell. After a few days with symptoms steadily getting worse, the medical team on the ship made the decision that she had to go to a hospital. She was medically disembarked in Cozumel. Thankfully, one of my aunts was able to stay with her so she would not be alone. She spent a few anxious days in a Cozumel hospital before being flown back home to a Texas hospital on an emergency medical flight—unfortunately those expenses are not covered by insurance.

This turn of events has created significant financial burdens for her, with unanticipated costs of $44,000 just from the hospital stay in Mexico and the return flight back home. Your support could help lighten this burden and let her focus on taking care of herself and dealing with her ongoing medical issues rather than financial ones. She would be truly grateful for any contribution you might feel led to make.

But more importantly, we would also like to ask for prayers. It means so much to us that people are taking time to cover her in prayer. Last, but not least, we ask for friends and loved ones to check in with her from time to time and share some memories and good conversation. Sometimes just a little email from someone can help brighten a tough day.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please keep Carol in your prayers!