As a mother of three, grandmother of four, and proud U.S. military Veteran, she's spent most of her life doing exactly that. Even after six years of military service, Ilean was never one to sit still.

She returned to the workforce while raising her daughters, eventually taking on a physically demanding job manufacturing automotive paint, where 60- to 80-hour workweeks were nothing unusual.

And when she wasn't working, she was usually outside, tending her garden, planting vegetables, or taking her grandchildren on adventures.

These days, her favorite kind of adventure involves three little girls: a four-year-old granddaughter and two-year-old identical twins who spend their weekdays at her home in Lakewood, Ohio.

"They're here every day, Monday through Friday," she said. "We are a family-oriented group. It's all about family."

Unfortunately, the past few years have made it increasingly difficult for Ilean to enjoy the life she's worked so hard to build.

In 2024, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After learning the cancer had spread to her lymph nodes and other breast, she underwent a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Doctors later discovered cancer in her liver and hip, requiring additional treatment.

Already living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a condition that makes breathing difficult, Ilean also developed radiation-related lung damage. Between her worsening breathing problems and the exhaustion caused by her cancer medication, even ordinary activities have become incredibly difficult.

"Now I have a hard time pushing myself around," she said.

She had to stop working. Her garden became too much to manage. Family outings, shopping trips, and afternoons at the park gradually slipped out of reach.

But perhaps the hardest part has been watching her youngest grandchildren grow up while feeling unable to give them the same experiences she shared with her oldest granddaughter, now 21.

In her application to Chive Charities, Ilean summed up that heartbreak in four simple words:

"I just miss life."

When asked what she meant, she explained, "I just miss doing the things I used to do. Being alive, feeling alive, if that makes sense."

And for Ilean, feeling alive has always meant being part of the action.

It's gathering the family around the kitchen to make holiday stuffing, a tradition that began when her daughters were little. Everyone tears apart fresh bread, racing to see who can finish first. It's a little chaotic, a lot of fun, and, as Ilean happily points out, saves her some work.

It's taking the grandchildren to Memphis Kiddie Park, where her own daughters once played, and watching another generation discover the same little roller coasters.

It's simply being able to cross the street to the neighborhood park.

Those moments mean everything to her. And they're why, after a lifetime of insisting she could handle things herself, Ilean finally considered asking for help.

"I kept looking at that application, and I was like, no, don't do that. Yeah, go ahead. No, don't do that," she recalled. "And then I finally just said, do it."

What changed her mind?

"My grandbabies."

Thanks to the generosity of the Chive Charities community, Ilean is receiving a mobility scooter that will help her get out of the house, conserve her limited energy, and participate in more of the family activities she's missed. The total impact was $1,579.

She already has a few outings in mind, including the park, the mall, and that beloved kiddie park.

The scooter won't erase her diagnosis or the uncertainty surrounding her treatment. But it can make the world feel a little bigger again, giving Ilean more opportunities to enjoy the people who make her happiest.

"I'm not a quitter," she said. "My mama didn't raise no quitters."

That determination has carried her through military service, motherhood, decades of hard work, and now an incredibly difficult chapter of her life. It's also something she's worked to instill in her daughters and grandchildren.

As she looks ahead, Ilean hopes her youngest granddaughters will get to know the same adventurous grandma her oldest granddaughter remembers.

Because there are still parks to explore, family traditions to pass down, and plenty of memories waiting to be made.

For Ilean, a little more mobility means a whole lot more life. And thanks to the Chive Charities community, she's one step closer to enjoying it.

As we honor our nation's Veterans this week, we're reminded of the strength, sacrifice, and service of people like Ilean, who have spent so much of their lives showing up for others.

At Chive Charities, we believe in helping the helpers. Whether you're a Veteran, first responder, military family, or family navigating a rare medical diagnosis, we're here for you. Help us continue showing up for those who have given so much. DONATE HERE.