An RV for travel to treatment for stage IV cancer
Donation protected
Ever since I was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer 3 years ago I have faced it head-on with determination, faith and optimism that have lead me through some of the hardest times of my life. Over those years there have been chemotherapy treatments, surgeries (including brain surgery in May 2020), radiation sessions, and in the past year I have been able to participate in 2 clinical trials.
We are extremely fortunate to live within driving distance of a major cancer center and until recently, I was able to have all of my treatment there.
In July 2020 I was accepted on a new clinical trial that gives me so much hope. The complication is that this treatment is only offered 6 hours from home. Under normal circumstances, this would be inconvenient but we would manage. However, with the additional complications relating to travel during COVID-19 for an immune-compromised person, travel has become the most challenging part of being on this trial.
Housing for our first trip to enroll in the trial was over $3000 because it was a longer trip to complete pre-trial screenings. Besides the cost, the stress of finding clean housing proved to be a greater burden than anticipated. Also the actual conditions of long road travel (hello rest stop bathrooms) for a cancer patient are less than ideal.
After many loving suggestions from friends and a whole lot of encouragement, we decided that looking into RV travel would be the best and most safe, sustainable travel option. And, after 3 years of help from friends with meals, prayers, childcare, rides, and companionship; I am finally opening my heart to another kind of love: your financial contributions.
Please know that every contribution: small or large, monetary or otherwise is equally valued. We haven't made it to this point alone and we have no shortage of gratitude for every one of you. This money will specifically be used toward a down payment (and payments) on an RV that will be used for travel to and from this clinical trial for as long as I am on it. The RV provides peace and freedom from COVID concerns and will be a bit of sanctuary during a very challenging time. I will be sure to update you as we move along with the actual RV search to let you know where we are in the process.
If anyone has a connection to an affordable RV for purchase or to an RV salesperson who may be able to help us make the most use of this money, we would be very grateful.
Thank you for reading and for being here. We appreciate you.
*As unconventional as it may be that I am starting this GoFundMe myself, rather than letting someone do it for me...I think it speaks to my desire to take ownership of this undesirable meeting of COVID and cancer in my own way on my path to full health.
We are extremely fortunate to live within driving distance of a major cancer center and until recently, I was able to have all of my treatment there.
In July 2020 I was accepted on a new clinical trial that gives me so much hope. The complication is that this treatment is only offered 6 hours from home. Under normal circumstances, this would be inconvenient but we would manage. However, with the additional complications relating to travel during COVID-19 for an immune-compromised person, travel has become the most challenging part of being on this trial.
Housing for our first trip to enroll in the trial was over $3000 because it was a longer trip to complete pre-trial screenings. Besides the cost, the stress of finding clean housing proved to be a greater burden than anticipated. Also the actual conditions of long road travel (hello rest stop bathrooms) for a cancer patient are less than ideal.
After many loving suggestions from friends and a whole lot of encouragement, we decided that looking into RV travel would be the best and most safe, sustainable travel option. And, after 3 years of help from friends with meals, prayers, childcare, rides, and companionship; I am finally opening my heart to another kind of love: your financial contributions.
Please know that every contribution: small or large, monetary or otherwise is equally valued. We haven't made it to this point alone and we have no shortage of gratitude for every one of you. This money will specifically be used toward a down payment (and payments) on an RV that will be used for travel to and from this clinical trial for as long as I am on it. The RV provides peace and freedom from COVID concerns and will be a bit of sanctuary during a very challenging time. I will be sure to update you as we move along with the actual RV search to let you know where we are in the process.
If anyone has a connection to an affordable RV for purchase or to an RV salesperson who may be able to help us make the most use of this money, we would be very grateful.
Thank you for reading and for being here. We appreciate you.
*As unconventional as it may be that I am starting this GoFundMe myself, rather than letting someone do it for me...I think it speaks to my desire to take ownership of this undesirable meeting of COVID and cancer in my own way on my path to full health.
Organizer
Jessica Buscho
Organizer
Brentwood, CA
