Medical Bills & Memorial Service for Edward Slavin

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Medical Bills & Memorial Service for Edward Slavin

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On September 11th, 2024, everything we knew changed. On Edward’s way up to do a case in Wisconsin, driving a large medical equipment box truck, he began to have visual changes in his left field of vision. Unknowing what was happening, he was able to pull off into a nearby gas station. He felt unsteady when he got out of his truck and quickly went back in to sit down. He passed out or likely had a seizure at that point. He woke up and called my mom terrified and unsure of what was happening. He hung up with her to call his boss at work. She hung up and called 911, leaving work immediately to get to him. He called back and immediately froze again, having another episode (likely another seizure). When he woke, he said that he couldn’t move his arms or legs at all. Paramedics arrived and took him to the hospital. Thinking he was having a stroke they quickly ran him through a CT, which showed us the presence of a brain mass. Little did we know how our lives would change.

A surgery was first needed to remove his metal spinal cord stimulator before an MRI could be performed, which unfortunately delayed treatment. The brain tumor removal was finally scheduled for November 18th, in the hopes that it was just a benign tumor. However, on November 20th, a second brain surgery was scheduled to remove more of the tumor, because it did not appear benign and was needing a more agressive approach. With warnings of possibly losing his vision, he decided to proceed with the second surgery. Thankfully, he woke with minimal deficits.

Pathology from the surgery came back and on December 5th we heard the big, terrible, awful news. The diagnosis that changed all of our lives. The most aggressive form of brain cancer without a cure, Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). The months to follow would include many rounds of radiation, chemo and clinical trials.

Edward cannot drive, he cannot work, he has trouble moving around and he now has lost most of his left field of vision. He has just been released from the clinical trial as there appears to be significant tumor growth on his most recent MRI. We are now praying for a miracle.

This journey hasn’t just affected Edward— it has deeply impacted my mom, Jennifer, who has been his constant caregiver, advocate, and never ending source of strength. She has put her own life aside to care for Edward around the clock, managing appointments, treatments, and the emotional toll that comes with watching someone you love fight such a devastating disease. The exhaustion, both physical and emotional, has been immense, yet she continues to show unwavering love and resilience every day.

Perhaps the most unfair part of terminal cancer is the impact it has had on Edward’s 13-year-old daughter, Gracie. She adores her dad and has had to face the kind of worry and sadness no child should ever have to experience at such a young age. Watching her father go through treatment has been heartbreaking, yet she remains a positive light — showing remarkable strength and maturity beyond her years. Every day, she reminds her dad why he continues to fight so hard.

Edward, despite the fear and uncertainty, continues to show incredible courage, strength, and positivity every single day. The road ahead will include more treatments and medical care that will continue to place a heavy financial and emotional burden on our family.

We’re asking for your support — whether through donations, prayers, or simply sharing this campaign with others — to help ease the financial stress so Edward and his family can focus fully on the remainder of their time together.

Thank you for standing with Edward in this fight. We are so grateful for our family, friends and coworkers who have been supportive and so very kind in offering help and prayers. I ask you all to continue. We have made it a little over a year and that is thanks to you. ❤️

Organizer and beneficiary

Natalie Porod
Organizer
Lockport, IL
Jennifer Slavin
Beneficiary

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