Donation protected
Hello,
As a mother I never thought I would ever be writing a GoFundMe letter. This is our story:
Recently my son Collin Trail began experiencing medical symptoms that required evaluation. A colonoscopy was ordered. On June 9th, after performing the procedure, our caring doctor came into the recovery room to break the news. Turning to Collin he said “I am so glad you came in to have this test”. “This could be the day that saved your life.” I felt the earth rumble beneath me – my heart was in my stomach.
The gastroenterologist told us that he had found a mass and took several biopsies and requested that the lab provide the results ASAP. Before we left, the doctor told us he had already set us up with a colorectal surgeon. The shock was unbelievable.
I told Collin that God would get us through this difficult time, praying the entire drive home.
The following day the doctor summoned us back to his office to give us the final diagnosis.. Our hearts were pounding as the doctor told us that Collin’s diagnosis was a rare colorectal cancer. My world was rocked. How could my son, only 24 years old, have cancer? It brought me to my knees – was this really happening?
Fighting back tears, Collin hugged the doctor, who said that he and a team at the hospital would see him through this and that a treatment plan was already in motion.
The days and weeks that followed remain a blur as we had never-ending doctor appointments and medical tests, and consultations with differing opinions. Thanks to our “professional medical friends”, who helped refer us to the finest doctors, we now have our team in place.
There were therapeutic decisions to be made and none were simple. I learned quickly that the words “cancer” and “guarantee” are incompatible and that each modality carried it own set of potential risks, benefits, and outcomes.
Collin’s treatment regimen (chemotherapy and radiation) and a two part surgery will be lengthy. The financial implications of having a child with a catastrophic illness did not even occur to me until the shock began to dissipate. There were many questions regarding Collin’s health care benefits and disability insurance. We learned that Collin will not be receiving disability insurance, and that his health care coverage will be exhausted after 90 days of missed work. Ultimately Collin will have no source of income during the majority of treatment, surgery, and recovery.
As I watch my son, who referred to himself as a “strong soldier”, relinquish his apartment to move back with his family, it broke my heart that we are not in a financial position to absorb the astronomical expenses he will be faced with. My husband lost his job three months ago and is desperately seeking employment. At the urging of friends I am turning to GoFundMe on my son’s behalf. This is a very humbling experience. We understand the economical unpredictability of Collin’s cancer treatment and do not want the lack of fiscal resources to compromise his care and future.
Please share this page with all of those you think would like to join our team and support Collin.
FYI, GoFundMe will take 7.9% of each donation, which covers all of their fees.
Thank you for your generosity and prayers which are so much appreciated by our family. God bless you.
Linda (Roberts) Trail Kimbell
Collin’s mom
As a mother I never thought I would ever be writing a GoFundMe letter. This is our story:
Recently my son Collin Trail began experiencing medical symptoms that required evaluation. A colonoscopy was ordered. On June 9th, after performing the procedure, our caring doctor came into the recovery room to break the news. Turning to Collin he said “I am so glad you came in to have this test”. “This could be the day that saved your life.” I felt the earth rumble beneath me – my heart was in my stomach.
The gastroenterologist told us that he had found a mass and took several biopsies and requested that the lab provide the results ASAP. Before we left, the doctor told us he had already set us up with a colorectal surgeon. The shock was unbelievable.
I told Collin that God would get us through this difficult time, praying the entire drive home.
The following day the doctor summoned us back to his office to give us the final diagnosis.. Our hearts were pounding as the doctor told us that Collin’s diagnosis was a rare colorectal cancer. My world was rocked. How could my son, only 24 years old, have cancer? It brought me to my knees – was this really happening?
Fighting back tears, Collin hugged the doctor, who said that he and a team at the hospital would see him through this and that a treatment plan was already in motion.
The days and weeks that followed remain a blur as we had never-ending doctor appointments and medical tests, and consultations with differing opinions. Thanks to our “professional medical friends”, who helped refer us to the finest doctors, we now have our team in place.
There were therapeutic decisions to be made and none were simple. I learned quickly that the words “cancer” and “guarantee” are incompatible and that each modality carried it own set of potential risks, benefits, and outcomes.
Collin’s treatment regimen (chemotherapy and radiation) and a two part surgery will be lengthy. The financial implications of having a child with a catastrophic illness did not even occur to me until the shock began to dissipate. There were many questions regarding Collin’s health care benefits and disability insurance. We learned that Collin will not be receiving disability insurance, and that his health care coverage will be exhausted after 90 days of missed work. Ultimately Collin will have no source of income during the majority of treatment, surgery, and recovery.
As I watch my son, who referred to himself as a “strong soldier”, relinquish his apartment to move back with his family, it broke my heart that we are not in a financial position to absorb the astronomical expenses he will be faced with. My husband lost his job three months ago and is desperately seeking employment. At the urging of friends I am turning to GoFundMe on my son’s behalf. This is a very humbling experience. We understand the economical unpredictability of Collin’s cancer treatment and do not want the lack of fiscal resources to compromise his care and future.
Please share this page with all of those you think would like to join our team and support Collin.
FYI, GoFundMe will take 7.9% of each donation, which covers all of their fees.
Thank you for your generosity and prayers which are so much appreciated by our family. God bless you.
Linda (Roberts) Trail Kimbell
Collin’s mom
Organizer and beneficiary
Linda Kimbell
Organizer
Streetsboro, OH
Reed Kimbell
Beneficiary