Bethany's Journey

 Bethany before brain surgery in 2012

About Bethany and Family

For the past 8 years my pool has been cleaned every single week by Russ and Julie Mondor, the owners of a small local company called Bayridge pools. Every week rain or shine, 100 degrees or 40 degrees, sick or healthy, they showed up with smiles on their faces taking pride in their work. During the summer they would bring their daughter, Bethany, with them. The first time I met her I knew she was an amazing person with a big heart, just like her parents. She started to watch my animals for me when we were out of town, staying at my home and treating my furry babies like her own. Then she went away to college in North Carolina. I kept up with her life happenings through the weekly visits from Russ and Julie.

In 2012, Bethany was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Even through Bethany’s surgeries and treatments, Russ and Julie showed up every week with smiles on their faces. As a mother, with a daughter of my own, I was always in awe of their strength and positive attitude. Bethany made it through surgery and was given a good prognosis, even though there was a possibility the tumor could grow back in the distant future, at least 10 years.

A few days ago, Russ and Julie left a letter on my patio after they had cleaned my pool saying that Bethany’s tumor has grown back much sooner than they had hoped. Unfortunately, it is cancerous, and it’s growing fast. I will let Russ, Bethany and Julie tell you the rest of their story. I just wanted to let everyone know what an amazing family the Mondors are. When I asked Julie if I could start a GoFundMe account for them, she sweetly said in her Boston accent, “But who would want to give us money?” Well for one, me. If I won the lottery I would give them as much money as they needed to go and be with Bethany in North Carolina while she heals. Time is precious, and Russ and Julie shouldn’t have to worry about being in Florida to run their business at the moment. They need to be with Bethany. So, until I win the lottery I am hoping that people will open their hearts and consider giving any amount, it all adds up.

With gratitude,

A. Moses

A Word From Russ & Julie Mondor

Our daughter, Bethany, is 26 years old and is having her second brain surgery on April 15, 2016, because of brain cancer.

 Bethany found out she had a brain tumor during her senior year of college – a diagnosis none of us were prepared for. She had her first surgery to remove the tumor in December 2012. It was devastating to watch our child go through so much pain. After the surgery we felt confident that the tumor was gone and Bethany could now live a happy and healthy life.

 She routinely had MRIs every 2-3 months, but only a year and half after surgery she was told the tumor was growing back. This news was heartbreaking. We knew there was a possibility it could grow back someday, but never expected it to be so soon. After watching the tumor grow for a year and half, in February the doctors decided Bethany needed more aggressive treatment. This meant brain surgery again and chemotherapy. She was also offered a chance to participate in a clinical trial for an experimental vaccine that has never been used for brain cancer. We were nervous for our daughter to be in an experimental research study, but we knew this was Bethany’s best chance for a cure from this deadly disease. The trial is something she really wants to do with the hope that it will help her and other brain cancer patients in the future. She is only the third patient in this research study and has already received the first three vaccines. On April 15th she will have her second brain surgery followed by a year of chemotherapy and vaccine treatments.

 Even though she is in a clinical trial, there is no financial compensation and she is responsible for all of her medical expenses (other than the experimental vaccine). Because of the surgery and recovery, she has taken a leave of absence from work and the bills are piling up quickly. Not only has Bethany’s brain cancer taken an emotional toll on our entire family, but it has caused a financial hardship as well. We own a very small business in Florida and had to close for a while to be with Bethany during her surgery in North Carolina. We desperately want to help her and wish we could do more.

 The amount of love, support, and prayers has been overwhelming and very much appreciated. So many of you have asked what more can I do to help. Please consider donating during this expensive and trying time. Your donation will help Bethany focus on the road ahead and alleviate the financial stress she is experiencing.

 If you want to follow Bethany’s progress, she has a CaringBridge webpage with updates –

www.caringbridge.org/visit/bethanylynnmondor

 From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.

 Russ and Julie Mondor