Eddie's Cancer Treatment Fund

Who is Eddie you may be asking yourself. The perspective of an outsider may make things a little clearer. It's often a child, a spouse or someone intimiately connected to a person asking for your help. Today, I'm here asking you to help my Father In-law.

Eddie came into my wife's life and her brother's when they were very young. Over the last 25 years he grew to be Dad, not Eddie. While they may refer to him as Eddie what they really mean is dad, this man has been the fatherly influence in who they became as adults. I personally met Eddie six years ago on my first trip home to "meet the parents". Everyone walks into that situation never knowing what they will encounter, but its always that encounter that will play a role in your relationship moving forward. The evening I walked through this door I was greeted by two smiling faces. Eddie, a towering man, near double my size and a good four inches taller met me with an electric smile and a handshake. That's not to say that Linda was not the same. They both greeted me with open arms from the very first minute.

At times my wife will want to do things in town while she is home, visit friends, go shopping... you know, chic stuff. 90% of those times, I elect to stay behind with Eddie, we talk about all kinds of things from life to sports to kids... its a natural flow, theres no forced conversation of any type.

This man is not only a father figure, he's a friend, a husband and a grandfather to our only son as well as Matt's children. The kids call him Pappy, they dont know any other Pappy, my father is absent, my grandfathers are long gone, this is the only "Pappy" my son has.

Eddie joined the State of PA as a corrections officer which he recently was able to retire after a full career. However that short time to live again was brought quickly to a stand still.

Linda has had some medical issues herself over the years, they've both had knee operations of some type as well as other medical procedures that come with age. Eddie, being Eddie, put what he thought was acid reflux on the back burner to take care of his wife of 20+ years. What no one could have ever expected was the diagnosis of Cancer. You see, this man wouldn't tell you he's in pain. I've witnessed chemotheropy cause him to walk away from the dinner table to be sick, only to come back and act as if it didn't happen. He doesn't want to be a burden on anyone or anyone's feelings, thats who he is, he doesn't want your sorrow or mine.

Eddie has been in treatment for almost a year. The problem is, he can't seem to get ahead. First it was them finding it migrating into his brain, then they tried an experimental chemo that gave him a blood clot in his leg. The man cannot even go out and enjoy his time without care because if he walks too long, his leg will swell to a dangerous level.

I ask you today that if you have ever had someone come into your life that has changed you for the better that you help us help him. Special people only come around so often in ones life and we want to help Eddie fight in any way we can. He is only in his early 50's, too young to give up. We would give anything to take this away from a person who loves everyone and everything.

Thank you for considering to donate. We had thought about a local fundraiser but the money involved in throwing such an event could be better spent to help allieviate the onslaught of cancer, the medicine, the long trips to treatment.

Please help us help Pappy.

The account is listed under my wifes name, all money recieved will be handed over directly to Eddie and Linda to do whatever they feel is best in this situation. Cancer is expensive.

Any amount you give is greatly appreciated.

~ The Hoffman Family (daughters family)
~ The Orloski Family(sons family)