Kevin’s Story

This is the story of Kevin. Kevin is a man like few others, and his story is as unique as he is. It’s a story of courage and positivity despite unbelievably difficult circumstances. It’s a story of love, grief, strength, resiliency, and kindness—no matter what. It’s a story of a man who now needs a helping hand. Chapter One: Losing Theresa To truly understand the depth of Kevin’s story, it’s necessary to take a few steps back and look at the events of the last thirteen years. During this period, Kevin took care of his wife, Theresa, during her valiant fight against advanced ovarian cancer. From the moment of Theresa’s diagnosis, Kevin held down a full-time job and was the primary source of physical and emotional support for Theresa while also helping their daughter transition from high school to college. Sadly, after a long and hard fight that surpassed all odds, Theresa passed away in December 2019, just days before Christmas. Her fight may have been over, but Kevin’s was just beginning. Chapter Two: The Effects of the Pandemic Kevin’s career is in retail management. During the last few weeks of Theresa’s life, while Kevin was in the hospital supporting his wife and his grieving family, his store’s staff worked tirelessly to keep the business running smoothly. To thank his diligent team, Kevin worked alone on Christmas Eve—the day after Theresa’s funeral. This is the day he was informed by corporate leadership that the store would be closing, and that he would lose his job. After helping to close the store and transition all employees, Kevin found himself facing the next major crisis—the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought closures, lockdowns, and layoffs throughout the retail sector. After a long search for employment, Kevin secured a new store manager position and gratefully resumed work in October. Happy, thankful, and eager to be productive again, Kevin enthusiastically embraced his new position. He began to piece his life back together, filled with hope and excited about the future. Chapter Three: Cancer Returns In October 2020, Kevin started losing significant weight. He consulted his doctor, and after countless tests, he was eventually diagnosed with Stage 1 Multiple Myeloma. The diagnosis brought immediate challenges to Kevin’s career. His immunocompromised status meant working in retail during a pandemic would be impossible. Kevin was heartbroken by this turn of events. He loved his new job and the people he worked with. Additionally, since he was only with the new company a short time, he was ineligible for the Family Medical Leave Act or short-term disability. Kevin’s chemotherapy treatment began in December, just days after the one-year anniversary of his wife’s passing. His treatment plan will be very intense: 14 days of chemotherapy pills, with additional chemotherapy injections twice a week. This will go on for a few months until Kevin can get a stem cell transplant, after which treatment will continue. This is going to be a tough few months for Kevin and his family but their positive attitudes’ will get them through this. Chapter Four: Steps towards Recovery This is an incredibly hard time for Kevin, yet he remains true to who he is, full of positive energy and hope. He has not allowed the challenges that life has thrown him to bring him down. His spirituality is a source of strength, and any difficulties he faces will be met with sheer determination and positive energy. As anyone who has cared for a spouse with cancer will know, finances during a long illness can become extremely difficult. For thirteen years, Kevin’s single salary had to support his family; add to this the devastating effects of long-term unemployment during the pandemic, and the result is a critical financial outlook for a man who has always worked hard and put the needs of others before his own. Kevin is in the process of signing up for state disability, but with no income currently coming in, he needs some help getting by now. After his treatment, he will be able to start working and continuing to create his new life. His family looking at this as a speed bump to get through but they will and come out stronger on the other side. Kevin is strong; he will beat this thing. Please consider leading a helping hand during this difficult time. Your support and kindness would mean more than you can imagine. Any financial aid will go towards food, mortgage payments, utilities and medications. Thank you for listening to Kevin’s story.