Catherine Russman Medical Fund

My mother, Catherine Russman, is a born teacher, a beloved music educator, choir director, and friend to too many people in the metro-Detroit area to count. Anyone who knows her knows how deeply she loves to teach and sing, and how deeply she loves her students, wanting the best for them. She  has striven to teach her students who they are, to convince them of their innate worth and their obligation to discover themselves and share their gifts.

Over the last three months her health has rapidly deteriorated, beginning with intense migraines, then seizures, intense confusion, limited consciousness, limited speech. She has been hospitalized and bedridden for the last two months. Anyone who knows of her incredible vitality as a teacher can understand how painful it is to see her in this state.

This week our family learned she's been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer which has spread to her bones and caused hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain), accounting for her limited consciousness and speech. There does not seem to be any viable treatment other than making sure she's as comfortable as possible.

Our family has struggled financially for a long time and we find ourselves thrown into concerns about her "end of life" costs. Of course, this is not the end of her life and she will live on no matter what the outcome. But if you're able to help honor her in any way, to ensure her body as well as soul be honored in this life in preparation for the next, we would be profoundly grateful.