The most rewarding part of being a mom to me is the deep, unconditional love and connection you build with your child. Watching them grow, learn, and develop their own personality while knowing you play a key role in their journey is incredibly fulfilling. The little moments—like their first smile, a heartfelt “I love you,” or seeing them achieve something they worked hard for—make all the challenges worthwhile. It’s a unique kind of joy that comes from nurturing and guiding another human being.

One memory I will never forget is spending a year in the Children’s Hospital with my son, TJ, as he fought for his life. That experience has deeply influenced my decision to become a nurse. TJ was critically ill with aplastic anemia and urgently needed a bone marrow transplant, but there was no perfect match in the donor registry.In the end, I became his half-match donor, giving him the best chance at survival. I am grateful for normalcy and thankful he is still here with us today .

If I were to win $20,000, I would take my 7 children to visit my family in Thailand. It has been over a decade since I last saw them, and they have never had the chance to meet my children. Losing my grandmother in 2023, while my son was in the hospital fighting for his life, was devastating. This trip would not only bring us closer but also allow us to honor her memory while reconnecting with loved ones.