Steven's Journey Fighting Cancer
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Hello. First, thank you for coming to this site to follow, and be a part of, Steven's Journey in his battle with cancer. Your prayers and support are desperately needed at this time.
My name is Gina Young and my son, Steven, was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. As you can imagine, this diagnosis has devastated our family.
History
Unfortunately, this is not this first time Steven has had to overcome a serious medical diagnosis. Twelve years ago, at the age of 16, Steven was diagnosed with a Giant Cell tumor of the mandible (jaw bone) caused by trauma after an accident on the racquetball court. After surgery to remove the affected bone matter, he experienced a reoccurrence in which the only foreseeable treatment was extreme, evasive surgery to completely remove his jawbone.
By the saving grace of God, the day before his scheduled surgery, we received a telephone call from the University of California San Francisco. They indicated that Steven was a candidate for one of their case studies should we be interested in an alternative treatment plan. Needless to say, we were very interested!
Over the course of two years, Steven bravely self-administered the trial medication - with the support of his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, faithfully by his side - he was given a full release in 2002. That was a very good day!
Present Day
On June 29, 2015, Steven was diagnosed with colon cancer in his large intestines. He is scheduled for surgery on July 15 where surgeons will be removing one-third of his large intestines. We won't know the extent of his cancer until post-surgery pathology test results of his colon and lymph nodes are realized. However, I will be posting periodic updates as we follow Steven on his brave journey to victory!
Normally, Steven would out-right chastise me at the mention of publicizing his private life - neither would he wish to expose his financial situation and consider asking others for their help. This is because Steven is a responsible, reliable and caring man who not only believes in taking care of himself and his family, but believes in the values of hard-work and being a blessing to others - not the other way around.
However, because this situation will cause his family extreme financial hardship far beyond their ability to absorb the unexpected medical expenses, he has allowed me to ask for your help on his behalf.
You see, Steven and his lovely wife, Elizabeth, welcomed the arrival of their first child in March 2015.
Miss Violet Lorraine is a healthy, happy, three-month old baby girl who has brightened the lives of all her family members. But, because of the high cost of pre-natal and maternity care, payment for these services has exhausted all they had diligently saved in preparation.
Now, only three months after the birth of their beautiful daughter, Steven and Elizabeth are facing not only the severe emotional impact of colon cancer and the fear it brings, but also the added financial impact associated with medical care - compounded by the upcoming loss of wages during a lengthy recovery. As the sole provider, Steven is very concerned about their ability to stay financially afloat during this time of uncertainty and he would greatly appreciate your kindness and support.
Mom's Plea
I humbly ask that you please consider a donation to help this young family during this time. Your support will go directly to them as individuals and sole beneficiaries of this campaign. Your gift will be a blessing beyond measure.
The identified $15,000 goal is to cover his annual out-of-pocket expenses not covered by his insurance as well as lost wages. It will allow them to fight this bout of cancer without the stress of financial hardship in meeting their medical obligations and modest daily living expenses.
You see, Steven's health insurance coverage begins July 1 through June 30 - unlike other plans that cover January 1 through December 31. So, Steven and Elizabeth will essentially have two consecutive years in which their maximum out-of-pocket costs will be required. They have exhausted their savings account and have no phyiscal assets to sell or re-finance as they live a modest apartment lifestyle supported solely through his wages. They have investigated various social programs, but most are out of reach as their income level is slightly over the income guidelines to qualify - but not nearly enough to absorb these unexpected medical expenses.
They need your help. Please, consider blessing this beautiful young family with a donation. If you are unable to donate, we ask that you please share Steven's Journey with friends, family and loved ones. Thank you from the innermost part of our hearts.
Together, we are giant!
Correspondence and cards of support are appreciated and encouraged. These can be mailed to:
Steven & Elizabeth Valdez
990 Prospect Avenue Unit 2
Hollister CA 95023
In accordance with site policy, we ask that you use the provided link to make your donation. Our family deeply thanks you for your support. Remember to check back here to follow Steven's Journey to a healthy, cancer-free victory!
My name is Gina Young and my son, Steven, was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. As you can imagine, this diagnosis has devastated our family.
History
Unfortunately, this is not this first time Steven has had to overcome a serious medical diagnosis. Twelve years ago, at the age of 16, Steven was diagnosed with a Giant Cell tumor of the mandible (jaw bone) caused by trauma after an accident on the racquetball court. After surgery to remove the affected bone matter, he experienced a reoccurrence in which the only foreseeable treatment was extreme, evasive surgery to completely remove his jawbone.
By the saving grace of God, the day before his scheduled surgery, we received a telephone call from the University of California San Francisco. They indicated that Steven was a candidate for one of their case studies should we be interested in an alternative treatment plan. Needless to say, we were very interested!
Over the course of two years, Steven bravely self-administered the trial medication - with the support of his high school sweetheart, Elizabeth, faithfully by his side - he was given a full release in 2002. That was a very good day!
Present Day
On June 29, 2015, Steven was diagnosed with colon cancer in his large intestines. He is scheduled for surgery on July 15 where surgeons will be removing one-third of his large intestines. We won't know the extent of his cancer until post-surgery pathology test results of his colon and lymph nodes are realized. However, I will be posting periodic updates as we follow Steven on his brave journey to victory!
Normally, Steven would out-right chastise me at the mention of publicizing his private life - neither would he wish to expose his financial situation and consider asking others for their help. This is because Steven is a responsible, reliable and caring man who not only believes in taking care of himself and his family, but believes in the values of hard-work and being a blessing to others - not the other way around.
However, because this situation will cause his family extreme financial hardship far beyond their ability to absorb the unexpected medical expenses, he has allowed me to ask for your help on his behalf.
You see, Steven and his lovely wife, Elizabeth, welcomed the arrival of their first child in March 2015.
Miss Violet Lorraine is a healthy, happy, three-month old baby girl who has brightened the lives of all her family members. But, because of the high cost of pre-natal and maternity care, payment for these services has exhausted all they had diligently saved in preparation.
Now, only three months after the birth of their beautiful daughter, Steven and Elizabeth are facing not only the severe emotional impact of colon cancer and the fear it brings, but also the added financial impact associated with medical care - compounded by the upcoming loss of wages during a lengthy recovery. As the sole provider, Steven is very concerned about their ability to stay financially afloat during this time of uncertainty and he would greatly appreciate your kindness and support.
Mom's Plea
I humbly ask that you please consider a donation to help this young family during this time. Your support will go directly to them as individuals and sole beneficiaries of this campaign. Your gift will be a blessing beyond measure.
The identified $15,000 goal is to cover his annual out-of-pocket expenses not covered by his insurance as well as lost wages. It will allow them to fight this bout of cancer without the stress of financial hardship in meeting their medical obligations and modest daily living expenses.
You see, Steven's health insurance coverage begins July 1 through June 30 - unlike other plans that cover January 1 through December 31. So, Steven and Elizabeth will essentially have two consecutive years in which their maximum out-of-pocket costs will be required. They have exhausted their savings account and have no phyiscal assets to sell or re-finance as they live a modest apartment lifestyle supported solely through his wages. They have investigated various social programs, but most are out of reach as their income level is slightly over the income guidelines to qualify - but not nearly enough to absorb these unexpected medical expenses.
They need your help. Please, consider blessing this beautiful young family with a donation. If you are unable to donate, we ask that you please share Steven's Journey with friends, family and loved ones. Thank you from the innermost part of our hearts.
Together, we are giant!
Correspondence and cards of support are appreciated and encouraged. These can be mailed to:
Steven & Elizabeth Valdez
990 Prospect Avenue Unit 2
Hollister CA 95023
In accordance with site policy, we ask that you use the provided link to make your donation. Our family deeply thanks you for your support. Remember to check back here to follow Steven's Journey to a healthy, cancer-free victory!
Organiser and beneficiary
Gina Young
Organiser
Hollister, CA
Elizabeth Valdez
Beneficiary