Lea is the sister I never had. We have been dear friends since the moment we met, working at Girl Scout camp in 1997. She was Dr. Thin Mint and I was Boss Hog. Though we met in California, as fate would have it, we now live five minutes apart in Oregon.

She means the world to me. She is my pillar of strength. But even the strong have limits.

Lea is too proud to ask for help, but she needs our help.

As most of you know, Lea has a brain tumor that is wrapped around her brain stem. After her first surgery, she went back to working 60+ hours a week even though what she needed was rest. She fought to lead a normal life despite debilitating pain and intrusion from her condition. Pain pushed her to the breaking point. She had to acknowledge that her 'normal' can't be what it was before and she reluctantly resigned her position at work. Fighting the tumor is a full time job. Healing is a full time job.  Living is a full time job.

Lea just went through her fourth brain surgery. The surgeon warned that the pain would get worse before it gets better, and it has. Perhaps, this means things are on track, but only time will tell. She is scheduled for another MRI on Wednesday.

Evan is steadfast, loving, and nurturing. He has taken much time off work to care for Lea. He carries the weight of worry and responsibility and household budget. He needs us too.

All of us who love Lea, Evan, June, and Calvin, can help. We can give time, love, grocieries, babysitting, rides, and most of all money.

Let's get The Gaithers' utilities paid. Let's gather funds to pay for the fuel they need to drive back and forth to Lea's doctors in Portland. Let's  pitch in so Lea can get the best care she needs without worrying about how to pay for it.  And let's lift some of the weight from Evan's shoulders.

Please do what you can and spread this to anyone who might be able to help.

With gratitude,
Amy Sabbadini