Cally Strong!
Donation protected
Dear friends and family,
As many of you who have followed mom's journey know, this has been quite a year.
On Christmas of last year, mom was hospitalized at Dartmouth and diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Everything changed almost overnight. She was forced to leave her job due to her health and new restrictions. Her condition was managed with chemo all winter and in May she underwent a bone marrow transplant at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. Since that time, mom has been putting one foot in front of the other on this journey that is recovery.
Despite suddenly being out of work and the myriad costs associated with multiple trips back and forth to Boston, mom has managed to find a way to make ends meet. Much of this is due to help from friends and family. Mom has been hesitant to start a GoFundMe site because she felt strongly she did not want to ask for help or "handouts" as long as she could find creative ways to finance this journey on her own. Unfortunately, at this point, this is no longer a realistic option.
A few weeks ago mom's leukemia cells reappeared, and last Monday she was readmitted to Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston with fevers of unknown origin. She has been here since, undergoing numerous procedures, with no discharge date determined as of yet. Once the medical team makes a plan (which we have total faith they will do), and discharge mom to go home, we know that this rollercoaster ride will continue and she will likely have even more frequent trips to Boston for check-ups and treatment.
We understand that for many, there isn't much extra to go around and that folks have struggles of their own that they are facing. Our ask is that if you are in a position, our family would be incredibly grateful if you would consider donating to help defray some of mom’s costs. No amount is too small, and any and all donations would be greatly appreciated.
All funds raised will be put towards; gas for the trips to Boston, special food and groceries for mom's diet, medical co-pays/bills, prescription costs, medical supplies for the home (not covered by insurance), severely increased monthly health insurance premiums and other costs which directly result from mom's leukemia and treatment. In addition, as we approach winter in New England, it is highly likely that mom may occasionally need to find lodging near Boston if a snowstorm should prevent a return trip home after an appointment.
It is difficult enough to face a life-threatening illness like AML, but is made all the more daunting when you're also exerting energy worrying about bills, logistics, and how to continue to finance your journey forward. Particularly when you don't know how long that journey may take.
For those who want to read more about mom's journey please feel free to follow along on our Caring Bridge website: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolineclifton.
Also, we hope you will consider joining the bone marrow registry! If you want to read more and/or send away for a kit to be mailed to you - all it takes is a cheek swab - PLEASE visit this site: join.bethematch.org/CALLYVT .
Thank you to all who have reached out over the last few months, sent messages of support and love, sent gas or grocery gift cards, done errands, offered a ride, an ear, a shoulder. Mom would not have gotten this far without the support of incredible friends and family that we are so very fortunate and appreciative to have.
One of the reasons we started this site is that so many of you amazing people have been asking "what can I do to help?" and, unfortunately, as a function of mom's condition, there just aren't many tangible options. She can't have flowers, she can't have food prepared by anyone outside the home and visitors are severely restricted. This is one way to help which would go directly towards alleviating unnecessary anxiety for mom, and for our family. We understand that so many face struggles of their own, and would never want anyone to donate if it would negatively impact them or their family. That said, if you are in a position to, our family would be incredibly grateful if you'd please consider donating any amount you could comfortably spare - truly, no amount is too small! If you are unable to donate, words of encouragement, positive thoughts, and prayers are always enormously appreciated and gratefully received.
Please feel free to share and thank you all in advance for considering donating. All our best to you and yours for this holiday season.
XOXOXO
Cally & Family
As many of you who have followed mom's journey know, this has been quite a year.
On Christmas of last year, mom was hospitalized at Dartmouth and diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Everything changed almost overnight. She was forced to leave her job due to her health and new restrictions. Her condition was managed with chemo all winter and in May she underwent a bone marrow transplant at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston. Since that time, mom has been putting one foot in front of the other on this journey that is recovery.
Despite suddenly being out of work and the myriad costs associated with multiple trips back and forth to Boston, mom has managed to find a way to make ends meet. Much of this is due to help from friends and family. Mom has been hesitant to start a GoFundMe site because she felt strongly she did not want to ask for help or "handouts" as long as she could find creative ways to finance this journey on her own. Unfortunately, at this point, this is no longer a realistic option.
A few weeks ago mom's leukemia cells reappeared, and last Monday she was readmitted to Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston with fevers of unknown origin. She has been here since, undergoing numerous procedures, with no discharge date determined as of yet. Once the medical team makes a plan (which we have total faith they will do), and discharge mom to go home, we know that this rollercoaster ride will continue and she will likely have even more frequent trips to Boston for check-ups and treatment.
We understand that for many, there isn't much extra to go around and that folks have struggles of their own that they are facing. Our ask is that if you are in a position, our family would be incredibly grateful if you would consider donating to help defray some of mom’s costs. No amount is too small, and any and all donations would be greatly appreciated.
All funds raised will be put towards; gas for the trips to Boston, special food and groceries for mom's diet, medical co-pays/bills, prescription costs, medical supplies for the home (not covered by insurance), severely increased monthly health insurance premiums and other costs which directly result from mom's leukemia and treatment. In addition, as we approach winter in New England, it is highly likely that mom may occasionally need to find lodging near Boston if a snowstorm should prevent a return trip home after an appointment.
It is difficult enough to face a life-threatening illness like AML, but is made all the more daunting when you're also exerting energy worrying about bills, logistics, and how to continue to finance your journey forward. Particularly when you don't know how long that journey may take.
For those who want to read more about mom's journey please feel free to follow along on our Caring Bridge website: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/carolineclifton.
Also, we hope you will consider joining the bone marrow registry! If you want to read more and/or send away for a kit to be mailed to you - all it takes is a cheek swab - PLEASE visit this site: join.bethematch.org/CALLYVT .
Thank you to all who have reached out over the last few months, sent messages of support and love, sent gas or grocery gift cards, done errands, offered a ride, an ear, a shoulder. Mom would not have gotten this far without the support of incredible friends and family that we are so very fortunate and appreciative to have.
One of the reasons we started this site is that so many of you amazing people have been asking "what can I do to help?" and, unfortunately, as a function of mom's condition, there just aren't many tangible options. She can't have flowers, she can't have food prepared by anyone outside the home and visitors are severely restricted. This is one way to help which would go directly towards alleviating unnecessary anxiety for mom, and for our family. We understand that so many face struggles of their own, and would never want anyone to donate if it would negatively impact them or their family. That said, if you are in a position to, our family would be incredibly grateful if you'd please consider donating any amount you could comfortably spare - truly, no amount is too small! If you are unable to donate, words of encouragement, positive thoughts, and prayers are always enormously appreciated and gratefully received.
Please feel free to share and thank you all in advance for considering donating. All our best to you and yours for this holiday season.
XOXOXO
Cally & Family
Organizer and beneficiary
Erin Schober
Organizer
Montpelier, VT
Caroline Clifton
Beneficiary
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