Hi.  You might remember me from a year ago.  My name is Susan DeKom.  I introduced you to my sister, Francine, as my hero, my friend, and my heart.  I explained how 13 years ago she battled with breast cancer and won!!!  And then, we learned, last year it metastasized to bone cancer.  Bone cancer means the bone marrow has difficulty making blood, leaving Fran extremely anemic and the bones become fragile.

This last year:
Fran had 2 rounds of chemo. She believed she had a bad reaction and declined any more treatment. She was placed on hospice. Fran slept in our sister’s living room in a hospital bed.  During this time, you prayed for her.  Hundreds of people prayed for her, from her other family, Daughters of St Paul, to meditation groups to church groups.  Heaven indeed was stormed.  Sooo many of you generously contributed to her wellbeing with cards, emails and donations through GoFundMe.  (She was soooo touched…and still talks about it.)  After declining treatment, everyone came to say good-bye.  A few weeks later, Fran suddenly stood up, got out of bed and said, “I’m not doing this.  I’m not going to lay here and wait to die!”  She told us to get rid of the hospice equipment. We did.  Wow.

SOMETHING happened.  Her oncologist can’t explain it.  Her bone marrow kicked in and began making blood again. She did not need transfusions. Chemo?  Prayers?  Unbelievable.  She was placed on an estrogen blocker and a few meds.  Her color returned.  Her energy returned.  She still had bone cancer but you would not know it.  Your contributions got her through the worst where she could focus on her continued healing.  She was able to begin working again. What a scary but great year.

Currently
Fran began living independently, working a few jobs and getting back to living a normal life.  In February, there was a shift.  Her energy lessened.  With COVID isolation, she thought it a little depression was setting in.  We could not get to her because of COVID.  In July, we finally took all precautions and went to her.  Fran was not doing well.  Her energy was indeed low.  She did not want to care for herself, to call her doctors, etc.  Her breathing was labored.  She couldn’t walk far.   She said she needed to quit work.  She couldn’t focus.  We got busy.  The bone cancer is compromising her bone marrow again, meaning she requires transfusion causing all if the other symptoms.   She is now connected with a great oncologist and has had 2 transfusions.  The oncologist said Fran will start chemo.  It is treatable and controllable, offering Francine hope to continue living her life in best way possible and to continue to bring joy to her family and friends. 

And so she must focus on her health. Fran had to quit her jobs.  With chemo starting, I asked Fran how we can help, what is her greatest concern.  She said finances.  She wanted to focus on her health.  She said everyone, through GoFundMe, was so incredibly generous before and helped her sooo very much.  Her heart hurts that she is in need again. We told her not to concern herself to just focus on health.  Fran has some savings as do her sisters.  But we need help.

Francine may have to move back in with our sister, Connie, to ensure she eats healthy meals, attends all of her doc appts.  But bills are coming in (medical bills as well as the cost of the transfusions and chemo). She worries.  If she can pay her medical bills and monthly expenses, it will relieve her of financial anxiety so that she can focus on her health.  She is incredibly responsible and therefore is stressing about her financial situation.  She doesn't want to be a burden.  Sister Rose explains in her video. Sr. Rose Pacatte, Fran's good friend: (copy and paste)

Our goal is to raise $24,000.00 to help Francine navigate this challenging time over the next year.  We hope this will be enough until Fran can begin working again even if not full time.  We realize this is the craziest of times to put this out there.  ANY contribution is appreciated.  Truly!  Private message and we can send an address if you prefer or Venmo (francine-dekom) is available. 

Background:
About Francine:  Francine was a nun for more than 30 years.  She left the order to take care of our mom while Mom was dying.  Right after Mom went to heaven, Francine felt strange and, after being examined, she learned she had breast cancer.  She spent the next year so sick from chemo and radiation.  But she beat it. For 12 years.  And she is a warrior, loving life…

I hope you can help us help Francine, my sister and my hero.  She is ALWAYS "there" to lend a helping hand without even being asked.  Her sweet smile and gentleness heals others.  She is always praying for someone.  She will include your intentions in her daily prayers.  We all will.

Thank you for your kindness, your generosity.  May God Bless You, Your Good Health and Safety, and Your Family.  Be well.

Susan DeKom