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This heartfelt blog was written by Maya Baldo, an intern at the American Breast Cancer Foundation and the daughter of a breast cancer survivor. In honor of Mother’s Day, Maya shares her personal story—one of love, resilience, and learning how to support her mom through breast cancer.

Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the incredible women who have shaped our lives with their love, wisdom, and unwavering strength. For those of us who have watched our mothers battle breast cancer, this day carries an even deeper significance. It is a day of gratitude, reflection, and admiration for the resilience they have shown. In honor of Mother’s Day, I wanted to share a little about my mom’s journey and how I learned to support her. 

My name is Maya Baldo. I am a Social Media Intern with ABCF, and I am the daughter of a breast cancer survivor. As the only daughter of a single mother, our relationship has always been a strong one. Think Rory and Loreli from Gilmore Girls, and you’re on the right track. She has always been my best friend and my biggest supporter. 

That’s why her cancer diagnosis was such a shock. There was no genetic history, no warning signs, and she had always lived a healthy life. She had just retired, ready to enjoy the free time she had worked so hard for. Meanwhile, I had just started my second year of college. Instead of celebrating this new chapter, suddenly, her days were filled with doctors’ appointments, treatments, and uncertainty. And I wasn’t there. 

The physical distance between us made everything harder. Knowing she was facing this alone while I was away at school left me feeling helpless and, if I’m being honest, guilty. It’s difficult to know how to support a loved one through something as life-altering as cancer, especially as a young adult trying to navigate your own life at the same time.

Early on, I realized that I express myself better through actions than words. If you’re anything like me, deeply emotional conversations can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of what to say. So, when I was home from school, I focused on helping in ways that felt natural to me, small, everyday tasks that made her life a little easier. Whether it was tidying up the house, making dinner, or handling little things she might have struggled with, I could see the difference it made. These seemingly simple gestures lifted some of the weight off her shoulders, and more than anything, they showed her that she wasn’t alone.

Overall, the most important thing was to simply be present. At first, calling my mom every day was something I did to support her through her cancer treatment. I wanted to be there for her, to remind her she wasn’t alone, and to bring a little lightness to her day. She would tell me how she was feeling, and I’d share stories about my day—sometimes the most mundane details, just to keep her mind occupied with something other than the treatments, the appointments, and the uncertainty.

Over time, those calls became more frequent. Some days, I’d check in once, and others, I’d call her five, six, or even ten times—whoops! What started as an intentional effort to keep her spirits up became a source of comfort for me, too. Our relationship deepened in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I learned more about her—her fears, her resilience, and even little things about her past that she never thought to share before. It wasn’t just about offering her support. I realized that sometimes, the best thing we can do for someone we love is just to show up, consistently and wholeheartedly.

When I first set out to write this blog, my goal was to share ways children can support their mothers who have gone through breast cancer for Mother’s Day. But as I write, I realize just how challenging that task truly is. Every woman’s journey is different, and no two experiences with breast cancer are the same. There’s no universal guide, no single “right” way to offer support. The best advice I can give is to listen, and I mean really listen, and be there in whatever way she needs. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, offering to listen, or simply showing up, your presence and support can make all the difference.

Breast cancer changes lives, not just for those diagnosed, but for their families as well. It teaches us to cherish the small moments, to appreciate every hug, every conversation, and every shared laughter. It reminds us that love and support can be the most powerful medicine.

This Mother’s Day, I celebrate my mom and every mother who is fighting, surviving, or remembering loved ones lost. I honor the daughters and sons who stand by their mothers, offering love and support in the ways they can. And I remind everyone that no one fights alone.