In 2021, I began what I believed would be the adventure of a lifetime. My daughter and her husband were expecting twins, and they invited me to move to Iowa to help. Leaving the family farm where I’d lived with my mother for over 20 years wasn’t easy, but with her blessing—and knowing my amazing sister and nephew were already caring for things at home—I followed my heart.

That first year in Iowa was magical. I lived with my daughter, son-in-law, my sweet granddaughter Tilly, and the two beautiful babies, Adelaide Rose and Elias. I worked part-time, helped with the twins, and soaked up every moment of grandma life.

Eventually, I got a full-time job and moved into my very first apartment—living alone for the first time ever. I found joy in simple things: sewing quilts for the grandkids and my great-nephew, making new friends, and learning to navigate big city life.

But as a woman in my later years, my income wasn’t always enough to cover everything. Out-of-pocket medical costs felt out of reach, so I delayed addressing some growing health concerns. Early this year, I began experiencing discomfort and trouble eating. I assumed it was just the same IBS my mother had battled for years. I tried managing it through diet and ignored the warning signs.

In October 2024, I attended my mom’s birthday party back in Kansas—it was a beautiful celebration, but I was already growing weaker. Not long after, my symptoms escalated: vomiting, fatigue, and constant stomach pain. I pushed through, still thinking it was IBS, not wanting to miss work or time with my grandbabies. But I wasn’t myself anymore—I couldn’t be the energetic, joyful grandma they knew.

Then last week, I returned to Kansas again for my niece Hailey’s wedding. It was stunning, and I’m so grateful I got to be there, but I was incredibly sick the entire time. After returning to Iowa, I managed four days of work before my body gave out. I finally saw a new doctor who immediately sent me to the emergency room.

I've now been in the hospital for two weeks. Scans and X-rays revealed a tumor in my abdomen and calcium deposits in my lungs. Surgery was necessary—but I needed to regain strength and improve my nutrition to be stable enough for the operation. Now that I have had the surgery, I’m needing teach my body to accept food again which is taking time  

I never expected to be here. I never imagined needing to ask for help. But now I’m humbly reaching out. The road ahead includes surgery, recovery, and likely ongoing treatments. I’ll need help with medical bills, basic living expenses, and healing time away from work.

If you’re able to give, share, or even just send a kind word or prayer, it means more than I can say. Thank you for being part of my journey—this isn’t the adventure I thought I was signing up for, but with your support, I know I can face what’s ahead.

With love and gratitude,
Kim Simon