I'm so sorry to hear this news. I lost my step dad a couple of years ago to cancer; it is heart breaking.
I had had a similar want to connect with someone for my own intimate support. Unfortunately, that man couldn't give it to me. Nothin like a crisis to prove to me once and for all the truth of who someone is. See..... I deserved someone to be there for me; I settled for someone who couldn't because I just couldn't fathom doing it alone. I couldn't handle going through such a life changing event alone....
But I was alone anyways....
Except for other family. Lots of support came from the woodworks. I pray your journey through this is blessed and that your mom is able to carry through with as much joy as possible.