Albert's Wish
Donation protected
Albert "Playboy" Carty-Tonge was a completely healthy and hardworking 31-year-old family man up until the time he was hospitalized for what they initially diagnosed as pneumonia. He was transferred to Mass General Hospital where he later learned that he had a blood clot in his lung and further exploratory testing uncovered a mass in his stomach, which was later determined to be cancerous.
This news came as a shock and changed our lives forever.
Albert was determined to fight and the face of his son Alijah was constant reminder of what he had to fight for. The doctors thought that with his diagnosis he would have a few months to live, but he was determined to prove them wrong. It took about nine months, but he regained his strength and was able to go back to work full time working five days a week while still going to the hospital for weekly clinic and chemotherapy infusions. He was able to continue working up until February of last year when he became too weak.
Despite the ups and downs that were thrown his way, Albert remained positive and continued to live each day to the fullest. The MGH Cancer Center became his second home and he made friends with everyone in the Yawkey 7 clinic, Yawkey 8 infusion, and Lunder 9 inpatient floor. His upbeat personality often brightened their days.
As his symptoms worsened and the number of treatment options decreased, Albert never lost his will to keep fighting for more time with Alijah. Even as his physical body started to give up, his mind was set on making it to see his son turn 5 on February 15th. Unfortunately, he was not able to hang on that long, but his memory will surely live on forever.
During the three years that he fought valiantly for his life, he taught everyone around him so many lessons. He taught us to appreciate each day as though it would be our last. He taught us to persevere regardless of the circumstance. He also taught us that you can never truly know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
Undergoing treatments and being in and out of the hospital for such a long time was not only emotionally exhausting but also financially draining. We ended up depleting our savings in order to keep up with living expenses and mounting medical bills.
Albert's number one mission in life since the birth of Alijah was to provide for him. Now that he is gone I am asking for the help of his friends and loved ones to keep this mission alive. I think it is the least we can do for someone who has taught us all so much.
This news came as a shock and changed our lives forever.
Albert was determined to fight and the face of his son Alijah was constant reminder of what he had to fight for. The doctors thought that with his diagnosis he would have a few months to live, but he was determined to prove them wrong. It took about nine months, but he regained his strength and was able to go back to work full time working five days a week while still going to the hospital for weekly clinic and chemotherapy infusions. He was able to continue working up until February of last year when he became too weak.
Despite the ups and downs that were thrown his way, Albert remained positive and continued to live each day to the fullest. The MGH Cancer Center became his second home and he made friends with everyone in the Yawkey 7 clinic, Yawkey 8 infusion, and Lunder 9 inpatient floor. His upbeat personality often brightened their days.
As his symptoms worsened and the number of treatment options decreased, Albert never lost his will to keep fighting for more time with Alijah. Even as his physical body started to give up, his mind was set on making it to see his son turn 5 on February 15th. Unfortunately, he was not able to hang on that long, but his memory will surely live on forever.
During the three years that he fought valiantly for his life, he taught everyone around him so many lessons. He taught us to appreciate each day as though it would be our last. He taught us to persevere regardless of the circumstance. He also taught us that you can never truly know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.
Undergoing treatments and being in and out of the hospital for such a long time was not only emotionally exhausting but also financially draining. We ended up depleting our savings in order to keep up with living expenses and mounting medical bills.
Albert's number one mission in life since the birth of Alijah was to provide for him. Now that he is gone I am asking for the help of his friends and loved ones to keep this mission alive. I think it is the least we can do for someone who has taught us all so much.
Organizer
Kae Kakes
Organizer
Boston, MA