In December of 2024, my mom Theresa Martin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We had somewhat good news at the time that the tumor was smaller in nature and not spread, giving it a Stage 2 status--something usually not heard of in pancreatic cancer diagnoses. There was a lot of hope we could fight this cancer! She received chemo treatment from March to May of 2025. In May, she was taken off of chemo so she could rebuild strength in hopes of a surgery to remove the tumor. Unfortunately, in late June, mom fell during a weekend trip to Gatlinburg TN, where she suffered head trauma and had to start a whole new battle of regaining strength that spanned almost 2 full months, with weeks in and out of hospitals, in-patient rehabilitation, outpatient care, etc. Just when things were getting better, on August 26, 2025, we received news that a cancerous mass was found on her liver, therefore the cancer had metastasized. As a result, mom will no longer be receiving treatment for her cancer, as we try our best to keep her comfortable and content through the next stage of her life. My mom has impacted so many people, and she's never lost her spirit. Even through all of this treatment, she has had nurses and caregivers alike laughing and connecting with her. From a decade taking care of kids in Hendersonville schools (Indian Lake & Merrol Hyde), to being a bright shining face around the communities in Hendersonville and Portland, she's taken care of and fed hundreds. I'm sure many of you have attended our annual Eatmas event, and some of you probably enjoyed Theresa's Sweet Treats when her market/booth was open the past few years. I know so many people have amazing memories, myself included, and I set this up in an opportunity for people to connect. After years of her helping out others, it's our turn to return the kindness and compassion she still gives every single day.