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Cancer is an unforeseen, destructive illness that takes so much from so many people every day. Physically, emotionally, and financially families suffer. In late 2017, our Dad, Doug, was very ill and underwent multiple surgeries and testing before he was diagnosed with terminal cancer called Multiple Myeloma.
First a little about Doug: Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois he moved to Florida with our mom in 1978 when they went on their honeymoon and never returned to the cold. He is a father of four and grandfather of three.
He loves his family, Turner Classic Films, The God Father, Notre Dame football, The Blackhawks, The White Sox and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (one for FL! )
On May 29, 2018 he received his terminal diagnosis. Multiple Myeloma causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow where they crowd out healthy blood cells. This eliminates the ability to create healthy antibodies and for the body to self-cure causing infection in the entire bloodstream. Multiple Myeloma cannot be cured, and he will live out the rest of his life with this illness.
He started chemotherapy on June 15th and has been undergoing strenuous treatments weekly since diagnosis. These treatments have taken its toll on his body and mind. Unfortunately, the treatments were not working as the Doctors and Oncologist had predicted.
On February 8 he will undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant that will leave him hospitalized for at the minimum 30 days if all things go perfectly with zero complications. At this time Doug will need to have 24-hour care under his primary caregiver, our mom, Laura resulting in both of them being unable to work.
All in all, there is a long hard road ahead of all of us but our Dad is a fighter and he has a strong team of family and friends behind him every step of the way. That said, the financial burden is daunting as insurance can only cover so much. These debts weigh heavy on his heart and mind making the ability for him to concentrate on getting well and beating this cancer difficult and he is instead plagued by thoughts of financial responsibility.
Doug is not one to ask for any assistance. He is a very proud man who has always paid his own way and took care of those around him. We are very thankful for all of the help and support we have received thus far and we are asking for any assistance from anyone who can offer to help him win his battle and keep his head above water financially.
First a little about Doug: Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois he moved to Florida with our mom in 1978 when they went on their honeymoon and never returned to the cold. He is a father of four and grandfather of three.
He loves his family, Turner Classic Films, The God Father, Notre Dame football, The Blackhawks, The White Sox and The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (one for FL! )
On May 29, 2018 he received his terminal diagnosis. Multiple Myeloma causes cancer cells to accumulate in the bone marrow where they crowd out healthy blood cells. This eliminates the ability to create healthy antibodies and for the body to self-cure causing infection in the entire bloodstream. Multiple Myeloma cannot be cured, and he will live out the rest of his life with this illness.
He started chemotherapy on June 15th and has been undergoing strenuous treatments weekly since diagnosis. These treatments have taken its toll on his body and mind. Unfortunately, the treatments were not working as the Doctors and Oncologist had predicted.
On February 8 he will undergo a Bone Marrow Transplant that will leave him hospitalized for at the minimum 30 days if all things go perfectly with zero complications. At this time Doug will need to have 24-hour care under his primary caregiver, our mom, Laura resulting in both of them being unable to work.
All in all, there is a long hard road ahead of all of us but our Dad is a fighter and he has a strong team of family and friends behind him every step of the way. That said, the financial burden is daunting as insurance can only cover so much. These debts weigh heavy on his heart and mind making the ability for him to concentrate on getting well and beating this cancer difficult and he is instead plagued by thoughts of financial responsibility.
Doug is not one to ask for any assistance. He is a very proud man who has always paid his own way and took care of those around him. We are very thankful for all of the help and support we have received thus far and we are asking for any assistance from anyone who can offer to help him win his battle and keep his head above water financially.