Shu Wu's Cancer Support Fund

Update from 6/21:

Hi Friends,

The University of Kansas Economics Department is honoring Shu’s legacy by establishing a graduate scholarship in his memory. There is more information at the link below. The department has written lovely words about Shu and the incredible impact he had at the university and with his students.

http://economics.ku.edu/new-graduate-student-scholarship

Thank you for your continued support and prayers for the Wu family!

Laura

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Update from 6/2:

Hello Friends,

Here is a link to Shu's obituary. His memorial service will be held tomorrow, Sunday 6/3/18, at 1:30 p.m. at the Greater Kansas City Chinese Christian Church. More details can be found in this link, as well as a place to leave condolences. Thank you again for all of your support and prayers for the Wu family. I know we are all hurting and will miss Shu dearly.

http://porterfuneralhome.mobi/site/obituary-detail.php?obituary_id=58938&imz_st


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Update from 6/1:

Hello Dear Friends,

I have sad news to share. Shu passed away last night, after his long and brave battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family, and he left this world in peace. The family is staying very strong, in part from all of the amazing support they continue to feel from all of you. Please continue to pray for strength and comfort for the Wu family during this difficult time. I will do my best to provide updates as more information becomes available.

With love and prayers,
Laura Keller
Family friend

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I am a friend of Shu and Lucy’s, and this is Shu’s story of his journey with cancer:

Many of you know Shu. Once you meet him, you never forget him. He is a loving father of two, a devoted husband, and a highly respected college professor at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. He has a smile for everyone, and a kind, gentle spirit that lifts up anyone who meets him. And two years ago, he was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

Shu is also a fighter. Going after the most aggressive treatment possible, he spent months away from home for treatment at M.D. Anderson in Houston. He endured multiple rounds of chemo, radiation, and stomach surgery to remove the cancer. Being away from home was heart-wrenching for him. I remember nights when his son was staying with my family, when there would be thoughtful conversations through FaceTime on the iPad, a father tenderly reaching out to his son hundreds of miles away, while he was fighting for his life.

After months and months of treatment and surgery, and multiple complications along the way, Shu was finally free of the cancer. But there were still setbacks. Difficulty with eating. Feeling nauseas and having difficulty keeping weight on. He also needed more surgery and was in and out of the hospital on multiple occasions. But his loving wife Lucy was always by his side, cooking food for him that he could tolerate, and supporting him with every bit of energy she had.

And finally, life started getting back on track. Scans came back clear. Blood work looked good. Shu felt well enough to go on a family vacation, and he could do things like go to the school and have lunch with his son, or spend time with his daughter. Things were looking up. And finally, he was ready to get back to the work he loved—teaching economics at KU.

Unfortunately, not long ago, there was news they have always feared. The cancer has returned. And, now, the heartbreaking truth is that Shu is out of treatment options. He is currently at home, spending time with family and with hospice care, still fighting for every moment he can have with the ones he loves so dearly.

Shu is beyond brave, and so is his deeply devoted family. They are pillars of strength even when there are so many tears to be shed. They have given all that they can to support their father and husband, to share their love and to give him the best shot at life.

I wish we could heal their broken hearts, but unfortunately, I know that isn’t possible. But we can help ease some of the other pressures they face, like mounting medical bills from all of his recent hospitalizations and other future expenses that are on the horizon. There have also been expenses incurred for alternative treatments that are not covered by insurance. They have tried everything, and exhausted every option. As Lucy said to me, “I don’t want to have any regrets in the future.”

So I am reaching out to you to help support Shu and his family in their time of need. Lucy and Shu have always been very gracious about giving to the community. I first met them at a community service event at the elementary school, and Lucy was organizing ways to help at Harvesters even while helping Shu through all of his difficulty. They are such a giving family, it would be great for us to be able to give back. If you are able to contribute, please do so generously. If a monetary gift is not right for you, then please offer prayers for the family as they go through this difficult time.

On behalf of Shu and Lucy, thank you for your time, your thoughts, and your prayers.