JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Karen Petzel found out she had breast cancer in August, and is now currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment. The mother of three says she had no idea how she was going to be able to work, get treatment and afford gifts for the holidays.
"In the beginning it was extremely hard, being the mom of three," said Pretzel. "Single mom of three and knowing how to face this was very difficult."
That's when the David Garrard Foundation stepped in to help the single mom.
"They have been amazing. They have been helping me around the house," said Pretzel. "If I have a bad reaction to the chemo, they are there for me. They are there. Anything I need, they are right there for me."
The former Jaguars quarterback, Garrard, wanted to take Monday night to honor his mother who died from breast cancer. Garrard said it's a way to show his appreciation for the support he and his siblings received during her illness.
"Trying to find ways to make ends meet, they are having to work and go to chemo, treatment, all at the same time, while raising the family. A lot of times all by themselves," said Garrard. "I know the battle my mother had to go through with four kids, so this is just a way for me, keep her name going."
His care and support means a lot to Dawn Graves, who was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.
"It feels very overwhelming. It is very hard and heart wrenching there are other people out there that have the same thing as I," said Graves. "We can talk to each other. It feels very heart warming."