Help Support The Read/McNabb Family
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My Dads Battle and Our Fight
As some of you may know my dad, Nigel Read was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 2016 that metastasized into his spine this winter. After many tests and consultations, in April, the prognosis was 2-6 months. Doctors have assured they will do everything in their power to keep him comfortable, but in the end, Dad will lose this battle.
On May 8th 2017 Dad underwent surgery to remove a 9cm tumor off of his spine that had wrapped itself toward his pelvis. Doctors were very hopeful that they could remove the tumor so Dad’s would have greater comfort and less pain for his final journey. Unfortunately, only part of the tumor could be removed as the risks outweighed the benefits and as a result it was necessary during the surgery to sever some nerves to make his spine more stable. He tolerated the 4.5 hour surgery very well and is recovering like a true warrior - every day he gets stronger and stronger. When I visited this past weekend he was sitting up in a chair, eating and was even sitting outside recently soaking up some of that glorious vitamin D and fresh air - all positive things.
Unfortunately, cancer does not discriminate - it doesn’t care that you are strong and healthy, young, or old. My dad is an athlete in every sense of the word. He is very disciplined, eats healthy and takes very good care of himself. He is an avid mountain biker and works tirelessly for the Coulson Hill Race Series and is sponsored by Spoke'O'Motion. His passion is teaching young riders the skill and technique they need to "have the most fun a kid can have on a bike". He has instilled this value in my children as their mountain biking adventures take shape.
As we watch him fight for his life, we yearn to spend more time, make more memories and walk his final journey with him, as does my Mom, Betty Lou, who has been living in Toronto as Dad remains in the hospital. Significant costs are adding up and the financial strain and its negative impacts are increasing.
With Mom and Dad’s blessings, this GoFundMe campaign has been set up as a way for us all to help reduce some of the financial burden. Decreasing that burden will allow my mom to concentrate on what’s most important – being with dad everyday so they can make as many memories as possible as they travel this journey together.
Funds received will help to cover hotel accommodations, parking passes, food, gas, as well as post-hospital medication, costs for care and supplies needed while at home which is where he wants to be for his end of life care. Funds, if available would also assist with end of life arrangements with any remaining funds donated to a charity of Dad’s choice.
All funds raised will be directed a savings account that has been set up and then deposited to my Mom’s account. Our family thanks you in advance for your support.
As some of you may know my dad, Nigel Read was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 2016 that metastasized into his spine this winter. After many tests and consultations, in April, the prognosis was 2-6 months. Doctors have assured they will do everything in their power to keep him comfortable, but in the end, Dad will lose this battle.
On May 8th 2017 Dad underwent surgery to remove a 9cm tumor off of his spine that had wrapped itself toward his pelvis. Doctors were very hopeful that they could remove the tumor so Dad’s would have greater comfort and less pain for his final journey. Unfortunately, only part of the tumor could be removed as the risks outweighed the benefits and as a result it was necessary during the surgery to sever some nerves to make his spine more stable. He tolerated the 4.5 hour surgery very well and is recovering like a true warrior - every day he gets stronger and stronger. When I visited this past weekend he was sitting up in a chair, eating and was even sitting outside recently soaking up some of that glorious vitamin D and fresh air - all positive things.
Unfortunately, cancer does not discriminate - it doesn’t care that you are strong and healthy, young, or old. My dad is an athlete in every sense of the word. He is very disciplined, eats healthy and takes very good care of himself. He is an avid mountain biker and works tirelessly for the Coulson Hill Race Series and is sponsored by Spoke'O'Motion. His passion is teaching young riders the skill and technique they need to "have the most fun a kid can have on a bike". He has instilled this value in my children as their mountain biking adventures take shape.
As we watch him fight for his life, we yearn to spend more time, make more memories and walk his final journey with him, as does my Mom, Betty Lou, who has been living in Toronto as Dad remains in the hospital. Significant costs are adding up and the financial strain and its negative impacts are increasing.
With Mom and Dad’s blessings, this GoFundMe campaign has been set up as a way for us all to help reduce some of the financial burden. Decreasing that burden will allow my mom to concentrate on what’s most important – being with dad everyday so they can make as many memories as possible as they travel this journey together.
Funds received will help to cover hotel accommodations, parking passes, food, gas, as well as post-hospital medication, costs for care and supplies needed while at home which is where he wants to be for his end of life care. Funds, if available would also assist with end of life arrangements with any remaining funds donated to a charity of Dad’s choice.
All funds raised will be directed a savings account that has been set up and then deposited to my Mom’s account. Our family thanks you in advance for your support.
Organizer
Miranda Sharp
Organizer
Sutton West, ON
