- B
Let me tell you a little about my family
My cousin Shari has always been the one to take care of everyone. For the past four years she has been the full-time caregiver for her mom, my Auntie Joyce. Three years ago Joyce fell while playing ball with her grandson. She broke both her right foot and arm, and required orthopedic surgery to pin the arm back together. Shortly afterward it was discovered that inoperable breast cancer had metastasized to her spine, hips and brain. Since that time she has been on monthly chemotherapy and Shari has been the sole care provider, full physical care as well as with all activities of daily living (physically supporting her in walking to/from the car, the bed, the bathroom; showering her, assisting with toileting, doing the loads of laundry associated with adult incontinence. Cooking, cleaning, entertaining, shopping for groceries, monitoring her health needs [including chronic bladder infections and dehydration] on a daily basis).
Shari's story
Unfortunately, Shari has troubles of her own. In her thirties she underwent breast cancer surgery (not one, but two separate times), and survived extensive chemotherapy. In her forties she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer: more major surgery, more chemo. Last month she turned 54, and several weeks later was diagnosed with lung cancer. Yesterday they removed the upper half of her left lung. It is not yet known whether she will require chemotherapy again... what is known is that upon her release from the hospital she will be returning home without any medical or home support for herself or for her mom. Friends have kindly patchworked a system of care for Joyce while Shari is hospitalized, but that won't cover the 8 to 10 weeks she will need to recover from surgery (and much longer if chemotherapy is required). .
Why GoFundMe now?
Shari has been on full disability since her colorectal cancer; Joyce, at 84, receives social security. They both, thank God, have Medicare insurance, but their income is insufficient; the money always runs out before the month does. They cannot afford nursing care for them both at home. Joyce's health isn't good, and Shari's is precarious. She has been a caretaker 24/7 for the past four years without any time off or outside support. It is clearly taking its toll.
Here's how you can help
Money can't buy health, but it can purchase health care support. It can't replace Shari's full time responsibilities, but it can fund a sorely needed break for her to relax and focus on her own recovery. It can't buy security, but it can ensure that they are able to continue to buy food and health care supplies for Joyce, and to keep their apartment for the foreseeable future. It could make the difference between barely scraping by and making the best of their lives. I'd love to raise $30,000 but put $7000 as a beginning goal. Any financial assistance you can share will be greatly appreciated.
God bless you and your families. Please pass this along.
My cousin Shari has always been the one to take care of everyone. For the past four years she has been the full-time caregiver for her mom, my Auntie Joyce. Three years ago Joyce fell while playing ball with her grandson. She broke both her right foot and arm, and required orthopedic surgery to pin the arm back together. Shortly afterward it was discovered that inoperable breast cancer had metastasized to her spine, hips and brain. Since that time she has been on monthly chemotherapy and Shari has been the sole care provider, full physical care as well as with all activities of daily living (physically supporting her in walking to/from the car, the bed, the bathroom; showering her, assisting with toileting, doing the loads of laundry associated with adult incontinence. Cooking, cleaning, entertaining, shopping for groceries, monitoring her health needs [including chronic bladder infections and dehydration] on a daily basis).
Shari's story
Unfortunately, Shari has troubles of her own. In her thirties she underwent breast cancer surgery (not one, but two separate times), and survived extensive chemotherapy. In her forties she was diagnosed with colorectal cancer: more major surgery, more chemo. Last month she turned 54, and several weeks later was diagnosed with lung cancer. Yesterday they removed the upper half of her left lung. It is not yet known whether she will require chemotherapy again... what is known is that upon her release from the hospital she will be returning home without any medical or home support for herself or for her mom. Friends have kindly patchworked a system of care for Joyce while Shari is hospitalized, but that won't cover the 8 to 10 weeks she will need to recover from surgery (and much longer if chemotherapy is required). .
Why GoFundMe now?
Shari has been on full disability since her colorectal cancer; Joyce, at 84, receives social security. They both, thank God, have Medicare insurance, but their income is insufficient; the money always runs out before the month does. They cannot afford nursing care for them both at home. Joyce's health isn't good, and Shari's is precarious. She has been a caretaker 24/7 for the past four years without any time off or outside support. It is clearly taking its toll.
Here's how you can help
Money can't buy health, but it can purchase health care support. It can't replace Shari's full time responsibilities, but it can fund a sorely needed break for her to relax and focus on her own recovery. It can't buy security, but it can ensure that they are able to continue to buy food and health care supplies for Joyce, and to keep their apartment for the foreseeable future. It could make the difference between barely scraping by and making the best of their lives. I'd love to raise $30,000 but put $7000 as a beginning goal. Any financial assistance you can share will be greatly appreciated.
God bless you and your families. Please pass this along.
Organizer and beneficiary
Shari Foster
Beneficiary