Taking One Day at a Time
Donation protected
I chose this heading as Alyssa and Gabe have tried to perfect the "live each day" motto. Each day for the past two years has been a whirlwind of unexpected, serious, and damaging turns for these two. Despite the heartache and toll it has taken, Gabriel and Alyssa have tried to embrace to positive aspects of this road. They have learned to take baby steps, always being ready for the road to change, and just enjoying each happy moment as much as possible.
Their story below:
Alyssa and Gabriel have both had significant health issues over the past two years that continuously places a strain on them financially.
Gabriel was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT) in January of 2015. After being told by three different hospitals to go home and seek out hospice care, Gabriel and his family did a thorough search for more information; ultimately, they found a specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City that was willing to take on Gabriel’s case. Since his diagnosis, he’s been through two surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation along with a clinical trial. Throughout these months, he’s had to travel to New York City multiple times, with occasionally needing to stay there over longer periods. These treatments have been very harsh on his body, mind and family – but ultimately have given him much more time than originally thought by most.
Unfortunately, Gabriel’s wife, Alyssa, has also been battling some health issues of her own. In June of 2015, she ended up getting a sinus infection that became quite complicated. After seven sinus surgeries, the infection could not be controlled and created a brain abscess and needed a craniotomy in May of 2016. The infection returned after the surgery, this time infecting the bones again and eating away at the dura in front of her brain, leading to a second craniotomy in January of 2017. She has continued treated out at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN – which has resulted in many weeks spent away from home as well.
As Alyssa’s health has continued to improve since her last surgery; Gabriel’s battle still continues. He has recently chose to change his treatment plan and continue on with Dr. Pete Anderson at Cleveland Clinic in order to get as many healthy and happy months as possible. As July 14, he was told that the past three months of chemotherapy did not work against his disease. Not only is it larger, but it has progressed to more spots throughout his body.
The treatment, travel expenses and the missed work ultimately have taken a large toll on Gabriel and Alyssa financially. Although they have had tremendous support from their family, friends and community – they have depleted their savings and paid time off trying to keep up with the long battles they have both had. The financial tension of the constant bills, travel and unknown future is a big source of their worries.
As their support team, it is very hard to know how to help in these situations. As we cannot take away the cancer or other health issues, we’re hoping by creating this page we can help alleviate the headache that finances can cause.
Any money raised will first go to a trip to help Alyssa and Gabriel create as many memories as possible. It's a simple road trip up the east coast areas. Any money leftover would be used to pay unpaid medical bills, regular expenses and bills.
Thank you for taking the time to read this l. If you're willing and able to donate or share the story, God Bless.
Their story below:
Alyssa and Gabriel have both had significant health issues over the past two years that continuously places a strain on them financially.
Gabriel was diagnosed with a rare sarcoma, called Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumors (DSRCT) in January of 2015. After being told by three different hospitals to go home and seek out hospice care, Gabriel and his family did a thorough search for more information; ultimately, they found a specialist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City that was willing to take on Gabriel’s case. Since his diagnosis, he’s been through two surgeries, multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation along with a clinical trial. Throughout these months, he’s had to travel to New York City multiple times, with occasionally needing to stay there over longer periods. These treatments have been very harsh on his body, mind and family – but ultimately have given him much more time than originally thought by most.
Unfortunately, Gabriel’s wife, Alyssa, has also been battling some health issues of her own. In June of 2015, she ended up getting a sinus infection that became quite complicated. After seven sinus surgeries, the infection could not be controlled and created a brain abscess and needed a craniotomy in May of 2016. The infection returned after the surgery, this time infecting the bones again and eating away at the dura in front of her brain, leading to a second craniotomy in January of 2017. She has continued treated out at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN – which has resulted in many weeks spent away from home as well.
As Alyssa’s health has continued to improve since her last surgery; Gabriel’s battle still continues. He has recently chose to change his treatment plan and continue on with Dr. Pete Anderson at Cleveland Clinic in order to get as many healthy and happy months as possible. As July 14, he was told that the past three months of chemotherapy did not work against his disease. Not only is it larger, but it has progressed to more spots throughout his body.
The treatment, travel expenses and the missed work ultimately have taken a large toll on Gabriel and Alyssa financially. Although they have had tremendous support from their family, friends and community – they have depleted their savings and paid time off trying to keep up with the long battles they have both had. The financial tension of the constant bills, travel and unknown future is a big source of their worries.
As their support team, it is very hard to know how to help in these situations. As we cannot take away the cancer or other health issues, we’re hoping by creating this page we can help alleviate the headache that finances can cause.
Any money raised will first go to a trip to help Alyssa and Gabriel create as many memories as possible. It's a simple road trip up the east coast areas. Any money leftover would be used to pay unpaid medical bills, regular expenses and bills.
Thank you for taking the time to read this l. If you're willing and able to donate or share the story, God Bless.
Organizer and beneficiary
Alyssa Leigh
Organizer
Holland, MI
Alyssa Price
Beneficiary
