Hello friends and family. I've found myself staring at this blank screen for over and hour now.  Several times over the last month I have tried to sit down and create this account but I've dreaded having to put into words how I feel and things my mother has been going through, because it's that much more real when forced to actually put the words to paper.  But no more delays, it's time to take action and get my mom the help she needs.

          Most of you know by now that my mother Kathy has been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. When first diagnosed, the doctors found a 6.5" x 5" tumor in the center of her chest. With her breathing seriously compromised, she was rushed to UW medical center. She underwent emergency surgery to "core" the tumor which was obstructing her airway. From there, she began receiving chemo and radiatation with every day making the 3 hour round trip to get her treatments. (Special thanks to those who have helped take her and bring her home from these appointments)

          So here we are several months later, the Oncologists now want to give my mom brain radiation to combat any loose cancer cells that may have travelled there. Because of this, sadly the doctors have recommended she not return to work. Without being able to return to work my mom will now lose her insurance coverage. Also her FMLA will run out as of the end of August. As a short term solution my parents have decided to use COBRA insurance to get by until my mom turns 65 in January and can begin claiming Social Security and Medicare.  Cobra insurance, as some of you may know, is incredibly expensive. With my Dad having to take time off to care for my mom and currently  being the only income in the household, it makes it impossible to cover their monthly expenses. Also, due to my dad working so many hours, he has not had time to source, cut and chop the firewood they will need to get them through this winter.

          So, I'm reaching out to all of you to help my mom and dad in their time of need. They are the most wonderful people who will do anything for their family and friends when asked. They are too proud to ask for help themselves, so I have taken it upon myself to ask for them. This money will go directly to cover their living expenses and insurance costs to ensure my mom continues to receive the care she so desperately needs. Thank you all for reading this and thank you in advance for any donations. Everything helps. Please share and spread the word.

P.S. I will update this page as time goes on. Keeping you informed of my moms progress.

Love you all,
Robert