On May 22, my beau Norman was admitted to the hospital for abdominal pain. The next evening he was undergoing surgery for a large mass that was discovered in his colon.

That started a journey of tests, appointments and hospital stays that has led to a diagnosis of stage 4 metastasized colon cancer.

A new chapter of life has begun….

While he has the best insurance his work has to offer, thank goodness, he still will likely be unable to work for quite awhile in the first instance and the money he will be able to receive through Short Term Disability and Connecticut State Paid Leave is not enough to cover his costs.

So I am doing what I can to help him in an area of need- which is money.

He begins chemo and biological therapy the week of June 23 and will be on a two week cycle- one week on, one week off.

The last thing he needs is to be stressed about money.

After much conversation, he has agreed that I can do a small fundraiser. It is difficult for him to accept help in this way, as it is deep in his nature to earn what he needs, but, if there was ever a time to put himself first and accept financial help, or help at all in any way, this is it.

To be frank, we don’t know what the future holds….. We are taking it one day at a time.

He is surrounded by a loving family and getting lots of support. He is, gratefully, a man of faith and that is giving him lots of hope and strength. He is also a deeply centered human, who has worked hard to find inner peace and acceptance. He is someone who has already survived a lot in his life and, in this new moment of challenge, he’s determined to do whatever he can to experience more of life for as long as possible.

If you are able to support him during this time, it would be very appreciated.

The funds raised will go towards maintaining his monthly costs of bills and overhead. They will help pay for some additional medical costs he has over and above his deductible that are specific to this particular diagnosis. It will also ensure he can maintain his health insurance while he is not working. They will also help with the credit card bills that are adding up which, in part, include purchasing items for the day to day needs he has now- there is so much to purchase to help make him and his home ready and comfortable for undergoing treatment.

All told this will all cost upwards of $25,000 in the first instance.

Whatever we can raise towards that will all be a huge help.

Whether you can give $10 or $1000 or anything in between or above and beyond, it will all greatly help ease his stress.

You can click on this link to give to his GoFundMe.

If you prefer to donate in a different way, through Venmo or a check or some other way, let me know.

Thank you for anything you can contribute towards the Norman Fund.

And, if you can’t participate in this way, please know that your thoughts and prayers are also immensely appreciated and needed.

He is such a special human. I love him and am honored to be part of his support team.

I will keep you all posted with the occasional update.

With lots of love and appreciation,

Kristen