A Richmond family is trying to raise medical funds for their mother, who was suddenly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
“Time is of the essence in my mom’s case,” said Kristin Clark, whose mother Roberta Mercer received the diagnosis after feeling pain in her upper abdomen.
The cancer has now spread to her liver and lymph nodes.
“We’ve been told that chemotherapy is not an option and that there are some other treatments that have shown potential in extending the life of others with similar diagnosis,” Clark told the Richmond News.
The family is now considering those potentially life-extending holistic options, which are expensive.
According to the GoFundMe page, the family hopes to raise money to cover treatments including a specialist clinic in Mexico called the Sanoviv Medical Institute and local options such as sound therapy and traditional Chinese medicine.
Funds raised will also be used for bills and any other medications Mercer might need.
Clark said her mother has always been “an active member of the community” and is “strong, positive, generous, and loving.”
Mercer has volunteered for Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives for the past three years and is planning to help out at their senior food program next month.
She has also given blood 90 times in Richmond.
“(My mother) said that once in a while life throws you a curve ball – and sometimes they come so fast that you have to ask for help or you will drown,” said Clark.
“Asking for help and receiving is medicine in itself.”
However, Mercer wishes the community to support the fundraiser only if they are able to.
“Both me, my siblings Holly and Brett, my stepfather Ron, and of course my mother greatly appreciate everyone’s love and support at this time,” said Clark.
For more information and to support the GoFundMe, click here.
