The Collier Family Cancer Fund

Kari and Scott Collier are busy and active parents of three beautiful children; Ella Evelyn 8, Sydney Jane 5, and Jack Anton 3. So, when Kari started experiencing pain in her upper back last fall, she pushed through thinking it was her busy life and the training she was doing for a half marathon. By the end of January 2017, she began to experience trouble swallowing and consistent pain. After a couple doctor appointments, a CT scan and an endoscopy, it was eventually revealed that there was a 3cm tumor at the GE junction (gastroesophageal junction), where the esophagus goes into the stomach. On February 15th, the Collier’s lives changed with a phone call confirming it was cancer. She had officially been diagnosed with Stage 3 Adenocarcinoma of the GE junction. This is a disease that typically effects males between the ages of 60 -70, heavy drinkers, smokers and those with 20+ years of acid reflux disease. Kari met none of the criteria. She would have five chemotherapy treatments and 25 radiation treatments in March and early April. There were a couple unexpected delays (blood clot in her lungs and pneumonia), while allowing her body to recover from the chemo and radiation in preparation for her surgery on June 14th. The surgery went very well removing the part of her esophagus and stomach treated with radiation, and surrounding lymph nodes. After surgery, they received incredible news that all the pathology had come back negative for cancer. All they had to do was recover from surgery and move on with life. Everything changed again on August 4th when Kari woke up with excruciating pain in her lower back and sides. A CT scan the following week revealed that there were newly enlarged lymph nodes in areas outside of her original diagnoses area. Another biopsy was ordered and they received the news that the cancer had already returned and was now in her lymph node system. This time it would be terminal.

In trying to come to grips with their new normal, the Collier’s have made a Bucket List of different things they want to do as a family. Spending quality time together is their new purpose, letting God lead the way.

Kari will be leaving her job soon due to increased fatigue and her desire to spend more quality time with her family. She has been approved for disability, but payments will not begin until January. Also, with the turn of the year, a new health insurance year begins, which means a new deductible has to be met. Any generosity on your part will be greatly appreciated.