Pictured above shows my mom back in the early 2000's with my dad (top left), family photo from 2003 (top right), my wedding day in 2017 (bottom left), and the birth of her grandson in 2020 (bottom right).

My family and I have initiated a GoFund Me for my mother, Midge Torre, as she nears the end of battling cancer after ten years.  Her diagnoses from two bouts of breast cancer, developing into metastasized brain cancer, has now become terminal at the age of only 63.  After exhausting all medical and financial resources in her fight we are now turning to our community to help aid us in the final stages of her journey.

A brief timeline of diagnoses and treatment:

·         2010 initial diagnoses of breast cancer (stage 3) that had spread to over 10 lymph nodes. Had a double mastectomy with 6 rounds of chemo and radiation leading to remission

·         2012 had a pain/tingling  feeling in her left arm. Found a tumor in the nerve bundle of the upper arm and chemo was administered to help

·         2015 lesions and tumors discovered in the cerebellum of her brain treated with laser radiation and surgery allowed tumors to decrease in mass, along with a second surgery of Gamma Knife Radiation as opposed to entire brain radiation treatment

·         2016 severe nerve damage from her previous surgery causing paralysis of her left arm

·         2018 resurgence of brain tumors inoperable due to close proximity of the brain stem initiating multiple experimental chemo treatments with no success

·         May, 2020 conclusion of all treatment programs as deemed ineffective

It was in 2015 when Midge’s balance started becoming cumbersome paired with sporadic and painful headaches.  A routine MRI led to discovery and diagnosis of her brain tumors, but fortunately we were able to have an amazing treatment team with UCI Medical Center aid in multiple treatment attempts.  As consecutive treatment plans failed, her tumors grew, forcing us to stop all treatments as nothing could be found effective.  Midge entered an assisted living facility in 2019 in order to provide comfort wherever possible as her declining state progresses.

Our family has tried to put together all we can this past year in an attempt to keep up with assisted living costs and outstanding medical bills.  My brother, Gunnar, and I are seeking one time donations or on going contributions; any little bit helps!  When treatment stopped, her doctors estimated 6 months remained for her to be with us.  Yet here we are seven months later, part of the great unknown of cancer.

At the end of December 2020, Mom experienced some shortness of breath for simple tasks like: walking to the bathroom or talking. Hospice evaluated her and has her using an oxygen machine when needed for catching her breath. Furthermore, at the same time, it was recommended to move mom into a private care home, known as a 6-bed. This will help mom receive the one on one care needed going forward with also allowing family to visit. Your contributions will help ensure Midge is comfortable during this time along with helping the family make proper arrangements for when she is no longer with us. We will continue to give you updates as needed through this campaign page.

We remain strong and positive entering these final moments with our Mom, as we humbly ask for your support with gratitude.

On behalf of my Mother,

Steven Torre & All her Family