
Bryan Reibstein and Susan Fagan Reibstein
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Linda Meoli, I am Susan Fagan's sister and Bryan Reibstein's sister-in-Law....I am humbly asking for help for them while they are in the fight of their lives. #cancersucks
Usually we experience the good things, or bad things, in normal “doses” and we adapt and pivot our lives to accommodate change.
Since 2021, Bryan and Sue have been trying to manage what can only be called a “perfect storm” of “bad things”, which leads me to the purpose of this plea for help.
On Thanksgiving 2021 (which was Susan's birthday), she got the dreaded call from her doctor -- she had breast cancer. Within 30 days of that call (12/27/21), she was in surgery for a partial mastectomy. In 30 more days (1/27/22), she began what was to be a 9-12 month chemotherapy and radiation regimen. As she approached a mid-point in chemotherapy treatment, she was hospitalized for complications that were caused by the chemo treatment.
During this same timeframe, we were under the harsh realization that our mother could no longer live independently in her beloved home, as her ALS and Parkinson's had progressed to a point where more assistance was needed for her care. Susan and I were already full-time caregivers for mom since 2019, as she was in a steady decline in her heroic battle.
While Susan was in the hospital, Bryan and I were in the final stages of clearing out Mom’s house and getting it ready for settlement. Bryan had stumbled on a couple of steps and had a fall. He knew he had likely broken several ribs but was selflessly determined to get through settlement for mom’s home before going for x-rays. When he finally did, it was discovered that he had 3 broken ribs. Not only that, but doctors discovered a mass in his right lung. Bryan had lung cancer (stage 2B). Within 2 weeks (5/18/22) he was in surgery for the removal of the top lobe of his right lung. After some recovery time, Bryan began an intense chemotherapy regimen, at the same time Susan was enduring daily radiation treatments.
Our beloved mother passed away July 25, 2022. I thought, what else could happen to our family.....
While Sue and Bryan were in treatment, they struggled to maintain a steady income. They are both realtors, working together as a team and loving every minute. But, now with constant treatments, doctors appointments, not feeling well, major fatigue- they had to severely cut back on showing and selling homes. Savings, 401K's, were all dwindling away as they fought for their lives.
Forward to 2023- Just as they thought they might be able to return to full time real-estate, BOOM.... the "storm" returned. Not only had Bryan just endured an excruciating surgery on his scalp for several melanomas (including a large skin graft procedure), he was advised that the pituitary tumor that doctors had been monitoring, had grown and it was time to take action before it damaged the optic nerve. They were not sure if it was malignant. Now, brain surgery was scheduled. His tumor was removed, and by the grace of God, it was not malignant. At the same time, his hematologist/oncologist advised Bryan that it was also time to begin a year-long treatment for his CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia). Really??
Fast forward to today, Susan is now preparing for spinal fusion surgery from a neck injury caused by a horrible car accident she was in a few years ago. Surgery will be in October/November, and she will not be able to drive for 3 months (Bryan just began his 12-month treatment schedule).
Recap: Breast cancer, CLL, Lung cancer, melanoma, brain surgery and spinal fusion surgery... all in under 2 years.
Sue and Bryan are the most positive, selfless, caring, loving, inspiring, motivating and supportive people that I know. I am sure, if you have EVER been in their company, you would whole heartedly agree. They love their family, friends and of course their 2 dogs Sophie and Cooper.
So, it is our turn to show them how much we all care about them. PLEASE, let's help them with any size donation to help them pay their bills, mortgage, groceries and to help with the enormous medical bills that are piling up.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading my plea to help my sister, my best friend, partner in crime, my "Sizzlin' Sue, and my handsome, funny, jokester brother-in-law Bryan.
With much appreciation,
Linda
Organizer
Linda Meoli
Organizer
Glassboro, NJ