Donation protected
The Holiday Season is often a time of celebration; spending time reminiscing with family, visiting friends, reflecting on the many things we are thankful for, and planning adventures for the year to come. On December 9th of 2018, all that celebration fell away as the Lee family was shocked with the devastating news that their loved one was about to face a daunting journey. Brian was diagnosed with brain cancer, Glioblastoma stage 4. A whirlwind of uncertainty was being thrust upon this family along with the instant realization that nothing would ever be the same.
The remainder of 2018 was spent with Brian having brain surgery, and the coming months of 2019 brought radiation, chemo, and various therapies to deal with the physical fall out. The family faced this as a team and quietly marched forward in the fight throughout the spring. As summer approached, hope was growing and a ‘new norm’ was settling in with Brian was no longer able to work and Holly was on limited work hours as she dedicated time energy to the family. Finally, August was approaching and it was time for the follow up MRI to confirm that they were indeed winning, but another obstacle was thrown in their path when the MRI showed suspected recurrence (which would later be confirmed), and the whirlwind was about to begin again. Brian was referred to Boston for clinical trials. In the past month, they have been to Boston 4 times for consults, testing, brain surgery, and the start of a clinical trial. Eligibility for clinical trials requires you to be present at the hospital running the trial, so this travel will continue for the foreseeable future.
We cannot erase fear, remove uncertainty, or directly impact the effectiveness of this trial; but we can foster hope, relieve some stressors, and facilitate their ability to weather the financial impact that this has created. It truly is easier to give than to be in a position where you need to receive, but the time has come for them to receive help and allow us to help ease this burden.
How do you help?
First by keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. Life is so busy for everyone, we often times forget those who have had to step back and focus on a situation that removes them from our immediate circle.
Secondly, let them know you are thinking of them and that they are not alone. They often times will not have the time or energy to respond, but a quick message, or card makes a world of difference when you are running on empty. You can also stream a soccer game with your phone, share pictures, provide rides, make meals or just share memories to laugh about. All of this is so easy to do, but also easy to forget to offer.
Most importantly; if you can give, please give. Holly has already exhausted FMLA time and Brian will not be returning to work, so that alone is quite a financial blow. When one adds in medical expenses, travel expenses and life expenses and you can see that a financial storm is brewing. Holly and Brian have enough on their plate, and finances are the last thing they should be concerned about. Often times the impact of these situations is not known for weeks, months or even years. Any amount of money will help! When we add up many small acts of kindness the impact can be great!
The remainder of 2018 was spent with Brian having brain surgery, and the coming months of 2019 brought radiation, chemo, and various therapies to deal with the physical fall out. The family faced this as a team and quietly marched forward in the fight throughout the spring. As summer approached, hope was growing and a ‘new norm’ was settling in with Brian was no longer able to work and Holly was on limited work hours as she dedicated time energy to the family. Finally, August was approaching and it was time for the follow up MRI to confirm that they were indeed winning, but another obstacle was thrown in their path when the MRI showed suspected recurrence (which would later be confirmed), and the whirlwind was about to begin again. Brian was referred to Boston for clinical trials. In the past month, they have been to Boston 4 times for consults, testing, brain surgery, and the start of a clinical trial. Eligibility for clinical trials requires you to be present at the hospital running the trial, so this travel will continue for the foreseeable future.
We cannot erase fear, remove uncertainty, or directly impact the effectiveness of this trial; but we can foster hope, relieve some stressors, and facilitate their ability to weather the financial impact that this has created. It truly is easier to give than to be in a position where you need to receive, but the time has come for them to receive help and allow us to help ease this burden.
How do you help?
First by keeping them in your thoughts and prayers. Life is so busy for everyone, we often times forget those who have had to step back and focus on a situation that removes them from our immediate circle.
Secondly, let them know you are thinking of them and that they are not alone. They often times will not have the time or energy to respond, but a quick message, or card makes a world of difference when you are running on empty. You can also stream a soccer game with your phone, share pictures, provide rides, make meals or just share memories to laugh about. All of this is so easy to do, but also easy to forget to offer.
Most importantly; if you can give, please give. Holly has already exhausted FMLA time and Brian will not be returning to work, so that alone is quite a financial blow. When one adds in medical expenses, travel expenses and life expenses and you can see that a financial storm is brewing. Holly and Brian have enough on their plate, and finances are the last thing they should be concerned about. Often times the impact of these situations is not known for weeks, months or even years. Any amount of money will help! When we add up many small acts of kindness the impact can be great!
Organizer and beneficiary
Kealhi Paoni
Organizer
North Chili, NY
Holly Lee
Beneficiary