Corbin Smith Cancer Support Fund
Who is Corbin Smith?
Corbin is just 25 years old and a lifelong resident of Spokane. A father, a brother, a son, grandson, cousin, and amazing friend to many. Right out of highschool, Corbin went to work for the family business Alpine Construction and has been helping to build the company for the past 7+ years wile also providing for his heart and soul - young daughter, Lakiah. A fisherman, bicyclist, and outdoor enthusiast, Corbin led a very active lifestyle and normally during this beautiful summer, he'd be camping, taking lake trips and spending time with his tight-knit network of friends and family.
What is Corbin Facing?
On June 23, 2017, after suffering from 2-3 weeks of severely restricted breathing and light-headedness, Corbin agreed to go to the hospital speculating that perhaps he had Bronchitis and that it had possibly progressed to Pneumonia.
Unfortunately, on that day, he discovered that it was not Pneumonia, but rather a very rare and aggressive form of lymphatic cancer that was causing him to be sick. And on this life-changing day, to the great dismay of Corbin and his family and friends, we learned together that there is a 14cm tumor (about the size of a grapefruit) inside of his chest that is growing next to his lungs and around his heart - causing the lungs to collapse and restrict his breathing, and cutting off the blood flow from his heart's main arteries.
While the diagnosis is still being researched and is not "official" yet, doctors are currently saying they believe it is a rare cancer called Gray Zone Lymphoma. SO rare, in fact, that Sacred Heart has only treated 1 other person with this type of cancer EVER.
Because of the tumor's proximity to his vital organs, radiation and surgical removal were not immediate options for treatment and on July 3rd, 2017, Corbin began his first round of chemotherapy treatment.
What Are the Funds Needed For?
Following the first round of chemotherapy treatment, Corbin is scheduled to be released for 3 weeks to go home and rest up before he is admitted to the hospital again for his next round of chemo. Per doctors orders, he will be unable to work for a minimum of 6-9 months while he is undergoing cancer treatment.
Unfortunately, just because someone is sick and cannot work, the bills don't stop coming in. While he has just gotten medical insurance set up to help cover treatment costs we are helping to raise additional funds for the following:
* Cost of Living while outside of the hospital (rent, utilities, car payment, insurances, etc.) while he is unable to work for 6-12 months
* Continued costs incurred from being a father to a small child
* Special accommodations that may be required for him to be properly cared for while he stays at home between chemotherapy treatments and to properly equip his home for his specific medical needs
* Cost to throw a fundraising event later in the summer on Corbin's behalf
If it is determined that better medical care can be provided to Corbin in Seattle where they have more experience with this rare type of Lymphoma money will also be needed for:
* Transportation costs to and from Spokane/Seattle
* Cost of Living while in Seattle for Corbin and possible accommodations for his immediate family to be there to support him at times while he is in treatment
Why Should You Help?
I'd like to encourage every one of you to consider the emotional and financial struggles you and YOUR family might endure if this extremely heartbreaking devastation were something that you had to deal with yourself. Corbin is a hard-working, loving, honest and amazing young man that never hesitates to help out a friend or family member when in need. And it would mean the WORLD to him to have the support of his community in return.
If you or someone you know has ever struggled with the life-altering reality of Cancer, you KNOW how hard this is. Please help Corbin by donating $10, $25, $100 or even more if you are able so that he can keep his life that he has worked so hard for from crashing down around him while he fights for his life against Gray Zone Lymphoma.
From the bottom of our hearts, our family is SO incredibly thankful for your generosity and compassion. Thank you for your prayers, your visits, your words of encouragement and for your donations.
Please share this page with others.
Love and Light - God Bless You!
