Gary's Journey Home

Hi you may not know me or the person that I am about to tell you about but, I hope that you will continue to read and will be willing to help.This being the month for brain tumor awareness I’d like to tell you about a brain tumor called, WHO Grade IV Glioblastoma Multiforme, also known as GBM. This particular type of tumor is hereditary and extremely aggressive. In late 2013, this type of tumor was found in my friend’s brain after he suffered a grand mal seizure. He was diagnosed with a GBM. On January 29, 2014, he underwent surgery to have it removed. He then underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The news the oncologist gave him was not good. It wasn't a matter of if the tumor will return but, rather when it will return. He also informed him that this type of tumor was hereditary. My friend was adopted as a baby and has no access to his biological family’s medical records so, he had no clue that this was something to look for or be concerned about.My friend’s name is Gary Moen. Gary is a Father to our two daughters and has always been there to support and love them through the good times and the bad times that life has given us. Gary is also Grandfather, Uncle and friend to many. Gary has had his struggles in life. He has wrestled with addiction for many years. He has celebrated over 20 years of sobriety and continues to fight for his sobriety through all the cancer treatment. Gary has spent many years giving back to those who have helped him with his sobriety and welcomes those who suffer to give them the support and courage to face their addiction.This is not the first-time Gary has experienced cancer in his life. Gary has lost his Mother, Father and Sister to cancer. It seems so unfair that one family should endure such pain and sorrow. After completing his chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Gary was able to return to his normal activities. Gary was able to do some traveling and take some amazing photos which is one of his favorite hobbies. He visited friends and family along the way. He enjoyed life to the fullest for almost three years until an MRI in January of this year revealed that the tumor was back and this time with a vengeance. The first time the tumor was on the left front side of his brain but, this time it started on the left side and has crossed over to the right side. The doctors say it is inoperable. The tumor is already showing its effects on Gary. He is having issues with his ability to speak, short term memory loss, his sense of balance, his appetite and some seizure activity. If Gary chooses to he can do chemotherapy again to help give him a little more time on this earth but, his time is limited. The reason I am asking for your help is that Gary does not have any medical insurance and his medical costs at this time are over $2000.00 dollars a month. He is on disability but, it in no way covers his medical costs. I am being told that as time passes and as Gary's condition worsens the costs will only go up. We are also trying to honor his wishes and move him from Texas back to his home state of California so, he can be closer to his family. As his family and friends, we want to be able to give Gary the best quality of care that we can to allow him to leave this life with dignity and grace.If you find it in your hearts to give, I just want to thank you and want you to know that Gary and his family greatly appreciate your donations. Thank you for allowing me to share Gary’s story. With much appreciation and heart felt gratitude,Kristy Moen Gary's ex-wife and friend for life.