Week 2 in bootcamp, my mom went to the doctor and they told her that if she didn't go through chemo, she'd be dead by September from a rare form of leukemia. It hurt to hear it, but I couldn't go home, not when I know she wanted me to succeed so badly. Is there anything I can do for her to help medically, or does TRI-Care and other things only help spouses and children? She went from working 3 jobs to never being able to work again, so money is quickly running out. Our family is small, just her, my big brother, and me, and I'll be 5 hours away. What can I do, if anything?

I believe the best you can do for your mom is to suceed in boot camp. Parents want their children to be OK when they are gone more than anything else. She would know you are on a good path. Write her when you can and tell her about every moment you can recall of your training. I don't think you can help financially or with tri-care. Be strong and remember the doctors are not always right.

There are programs that can help, both on the civilian side and the military side. In certain circumstances you can actually make your mother a full dependent. This entitles her to commissary and exchange privileges, she will travel on your PCS orders, counts towards bedrooms in gov housing and certain medical benefits depending on where you are located. Talk to your admin as soon as possible and they can get the ball rolling to help your situation.

Yes-there is a lt commander here at sector Honolulu who brought his mother on as his dependant. She doesn't currently have medical issues so it can be done. It works out well for him as he travels alot so she holds down the fort while he does his thing. It's worth thinking about.