Medical expenses and education
Donation protected
My name is Frank Drago and I am writing this on behalf of my sister Cathy Drago. Cathy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 34. The diagnosis was a total shock to my family since my sister had always led a healthy athletic lifestyle playing competitive sports all her life. She also never drank or smoked.
Cathy was fearful for the fate of her children Matthew and Jessica who at the time were ten and seven years old respectively. But with quick and proper treatment my sister was confident that she could beat this disease. Chemotherapy took its toll on her physically as did the radiation therapy that quickly followed. But Cathy battled through with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. After months of treatment thankfully the cancer while not cured was contained. Although treatments left her unable to work, my sister used this as an opportunity to give to others by volunteering time at her children's school.
Unfortunately it was also during this time in her life that her marriage fell apart. After years of enduring a relationship that was not supportive physically, emotionally and financially, Cathy wasn't left with any choice but to provide a stable and nurturing environment for her children despite being left with significant post marital debt and no marital assets. Sadly for my nephew and niece, their father has selfishly chosen not to be involved in their lives offering no support to them whatsoever.
Cathy was cleared to return to work in 2010. She moved in with our grandmother and was happy for the opportunity to be able to establish a stable home life for her children. Then at a routine check up in October 2010, Cathy's oncologist informed her that the cancer had spread to her bones. She would have to leave work again and return to treatment. As the only source of income for her children their future reached a greater uncertainty. Despite the mounting financial hardship Cathy managed to provide for her children to the best of her ability. In December 2013 the news that the cancer had spread to her liver was delivered just four days before Christmas. With incredible strength, my sister got through the holidays without mention of the spreading to ensure that her children would have a worry free Christmas.
The doctors said that an experimental drug, a pill by the name of Lucitanib, is my best chance at containing this disease. The drug is in trial phase. In lieu of the conventional approach, Cathy has begun treatment with Lucitanib. While she remains hopeful that this drug will contain the cancer Cathy must consider the alternative. She is left with many concerns. Her children are now 17 and 14. Given that she is the sole provider, and since we do not have any other family members that are able to assist in this regard. She is distraught with fear for their future wellbeing. Cathy's disability allowance only covers her
children's most basic needs. Unable to work, she can no longer save for their impending post-secondary education.
Over the years I have been amazed by Cathy's strength and determination. She has done an incredible job raising her children. She has managed to provide them with countless opportunities always sacrificing her-self to provide for them with the little income she receives from her disability insurance. As her brother I am asking for your help on behalf of my sister because her perseverance, courage and pride will not allow her to ask. Any donations received will be allocated toward Matthew and Jessica's current and future living costs and their post-secondary education. It is time for Cathy to focus on taking care of herself. I appreciate your donation from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for reading my sister's story and sharing in her world for a few moments.
Thank you
Frank Drago
Cathy was fearful for the fate of her children Matthew and Jessica who at the time were ten and seven years old respectively. But with quick and proper treatment my sister was confident that she could beat this disease. Chemotherapy took its toll on her physically as did the radiation therapy that quickly followed. But Cathy battled through with a positive attitude and a smile on her face. After months of treatment thankfully the cancer while not cured was contained. Although treatments left her unable to work, my sister used this as an opportunity to give to others by volunteering time at her children's school.
Unfortunately it was also during this time in her life that her marriage fell apart. After years of enduring a relationship that was not supportive physically, emotionally and financially, Cathy wasn't left with any choice but to provide a stable and nurturing environment for her children despite being left with significant post marital debt and no marital assets. Sadly for my nephew and niece, their father has selfishly chosen not to be involved in their lives offering no support to them whatsoever.
Cathy was cleared to return to work in 2010. She moved in with our grandmother and was happy for the opportunity to be able to establish a stable home life for her children. Then at a routine check up in October 2010, Cathy's oncologist informed her that the cancer had spread to her bones. She would have to leave work again and return to treatment. As the only source of income for her children their future reached a greater uncertainty. Despite the mounting financial hardship Cathy managed to provide for her children to the best of her ability. In December 2013 the news that the cancer had spread to her liver was delivered just four days before Christmas. With incredible strength, my sister got through the holidays without mention of the spreading to ensure that her children would have a worry free Christmas.
The doctors said that an experimental drug, a pill by the name of Lucitanib, is my best chance at containing this disease. The drug is in trial phase. In lieu of the conventional approach, Cathy has begun treatment with Lucitanib. While she remains hopeful that this drug will contain the cancer Cathy must consider the alternative. She is left with many concerns. Her children are now 17 and 14. Given that she is the sole provider, and since we do not have any other family members that are able to assist in this regard. She is distraught with fear for their future wellbeing. Cathy's disability allowance only covers her
children's most basic needs. Unable to work, she can no longer save for their impending post-secondary education.
Over the years I have been amazed by Cathy's strength and determination. She has done an incredible job raising her children. She has managed to provide them with countless opportunities always sacrificing her-self to provide for them with the little income she receives from her disability insurance. As her brother I am asking for your help on behalf of my sister because her perseverance, courage and pride will not allow her to ask. Any donations received will be allocated toward Matthew and Jessica's current and future living costs and their post-secondary education. It is time for Cathy to focus on taking care of herself. I appreciate your donation from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for reading my sister's story and sharing in her world for a few moments.
Thank you
Frank Drago
Organizer
Cathy Drago
Organizer
