Donation protected
Carla is only 45 years old. Just three months ago, on New Year’s Eve, she learned the devastating news that she had not only lung cancer, but also two walnut-sized tumors in her brain. It was shocking to her and her husband of 21 years, Aaron. They simply believed she had lingering bronchitis and some unexplained memory issues. Instead, she was hit the shattering news that she has Stage 4 cancer.
In early January, Carla endured radiation treatments and started immunotherapy, but never lost her smile. Her brain was swelling and CT scans showed that the radiation worked on one of the tumors, but the other one had actually grown. After Carla’s brain cancer started causing motor and response issues, doctors were optimistic that removing the tumors would help. Less than two months after diagnosis, Carla had brain surgery on February 24, 2020. She spent several days in the ICU and then was transferred to a rehab center to relearn all the things we take for granted…speech, walking, motor skills, etc. She was making tremendous progress and the staff loved her. She smiled through physical therapy and everyone was enthusiastic about her improvement.
In mid-March, Carla had a CT scan of her head and lungs, which showed significant regrowth of the leftover tumor in her brain and also continued growth of her lung cancer, which was starting to collapse a major airway within her lung. Aaron heard the news that no one ever wants to hear about the love of their life. The doctor told him, “We’re sorry. She will not be able to survive another surgery. There is nothing more we can do for her.” Doctors started her on pain management and symptom management on March 18th and estimated that she only has weeks to live.
She is near the end. Everyone who knows her is heartbroken. She is sedated and on a morphine drip.
Aaron has been by her side not just the last three months, but for the last 21 years. Carla is the love of his life and now he has to face life without her. The words “heartbroken” and “devastated” do not even touch on what he is feeling. His family and friends want to help him as he’s expended his savings over the last 3 months and knows he will soon have to bury his wife.
Anyone that has ever met Carla describes her as a “sweet and kind” soul. She has always been a genuinely happy person who wants to bring out the best in others. She consistently brought love and kindness into the lives she touched. In June 1992, Carla was in a serious car accident that left her in a coma for 2 months. She has continuously dealt some obstacles from her accident, such as headaches and other health issues, but she has never stopped smiling and making others smile.
Carla and Aaron met when Aaron was stationed at Fort Bragg with the Army in August 1993. Carla joined her friend who was visiting her boyfriend, who happened to be a Soldier in Aaron’s unit. On Dec 23, 1993 after last minute Christmas shopping, Carla stopped in to say “Hello.” She played cards with Aaron and his roommate for hours and this is what they called their “first date.” They dated until they were married in February 1999.
Carla has always lived in North Carolina. She completed two degrees and was a certified Medical Transcriptionist and Paralegal. Her longstanding health issues caused by her 1992 accident sometimes prevented her from working in permanent positions. One of Carla’s favorite jobs was a Red Cross Instructor/Training. She was the person who certified people to teach classes like CPR. She absolutely loved this job more than anything.
Carla and Aaron have a time-honored Christmas tradition. Every Christmas morning, they get up early and go to the homeless shelter. They help bring joy to others by serving food, sharing moments, and giving hope. They do this before exchanging presents or visiting family and friends. They have always been willing to help those less fortunate and were truly grateful for what they had.
Carla’s mom passed away from cancer six years ago. Carla has been a long time in-home caretaker for her father who has Alzheimer’s. Although this consists of a multitude of responsibilities that can be stressful, emotional, and time consuming, Carla was happy to provide the best quality of life as she could for her Dad. She was an only child and now Aaron will be taking over care for her father.
Carla is the sweet “girl next door.” You know the one that is always there with not only a helping hand, but with a genuine smile. Carla loves to knit and crochet. She loves dogs. She loves Labs more than any other breed and has collected Lab items for many years.
Aaron and Carla are not the type of people to ask for help. However, their family and friends know they need it now more than ever. Please consider praying, donating, and sharing because Aaron shouldn’t have to worry about finances as his life and future are left shattered.
In early January, Carla endured radiation treatments and started immunotherapy, but never lost her smile. Her brain was swelling and CT scans showed that the radiation worked on one of the tumors, but the other one had actually grown. After Carla’s brain cancer started causing motor and response issues, doctors were optimistic that removing the tumors would help. Less than two months after diagnosis, Carla had brain surgery on February 24, 2020. She spent several days in the ICU and then was transferred to a rehab center to relearn all the things we take for granted…speech, walking, motor skills, etc. She was making tremendous progress and the staff loved her. She smiled through physical therapy and everyone was enthusiastic about her improvement.
In mid-March, Carla had a CT scan of her head and lungs, which showed significant regrowth of the leftover tumor in her brain and also continued growth of her lung cancer, which was starting to collapse a major airway within her lung. Aaron heard the news that no one ever wants to hear about the love of their life. The doctor told him, “We’re sorry. She will not be able to survive another surgery. There is nothing more we can do for her.” Doctors started her on pain management and symptom management on March 18th and estimated that she only has weeks to live.
She is near the end. Everyone who knows her is heartbroken. She is sedated and on a morphine drip.
Aaron has been by her side not just the last three months, but for the last 21 years. Carla is the love of his life and now he has to face life without her. The words “heartbroken” and “devastated” do not even touch on what he is feeling. His family and friends want to help him as he’s expended his savings over the last 3 months and knows he will soon have to bury his wife.
Anyone that has ever met Carla describes her as a “sweet and kind” soul. She has always been a genuinely happy person who wants to bring out the best in others. She consistently brought love and kindness into the lives she touched. In June 1992, Carla was in a serious car accident that left her in a coma for 2 months. She has continuously dealt some obstacles from her accident, such as headaches and other health issues, but she has never stopped smiling and making others smile.
Carla and Aaron met when Aaron was stationed at Fort Bragg with the Army in August 1993. Carla joined her friend who was visiting her boyfriend, who happened to be a Soldier in Aaron’s unit. On Dec 23, 1993 after last minute Christmas shopping, Carla stopped in to say “Hello.” She played cards with Aaron and his roommate for hours and this is what they called their “first date.” They dated until they were married in February 1999.
Carla has always lived in North Carolina. She completed two degrees and was a certified Medical Transcriptionist and Paralegal. Her longstanding health issues caused by her 1992 accident sometimes prevented her from working in permanent positions. One of Carla’s favorite jobs was a Red Cross Instructor/Training. She was the person who certified people to teach classes like CPR. She absolutely loved this job more than anything.
Carla and Aaron have a time-honored Christmas tradition. Every Christmas morning, they get up early and go to the homeless shelter. They help bring joy to others by serving food, sharing moments, and giving hope. They do this before exchanging presents or visiting family and friends. They have always been willing to help those less fortunate and were truly grateful for what they had.
Carla’s mom passed away from cancer six years ago. Carla has been a long time in-home caretaker for her father who has Alzheimer’s. Although this consists of a multitude of responsibilities that can be stressful, emotional, and time consuming, Carla was happy to provide the best quality of life as she could for her Dad. She was an only child and now Aaron will be taking over care for her father.
Carla is the sweet “girl next door.” You know the one that is always there with not only a helping hand, but with a genuine smile. Carla loves to knit and crochet. She loves dogs. She loves Labs more than any other breed and has collected Lab items for many years.
Aaron and Carla are not the type of people to ask for help. However, their family and friends know they need it now more than ever. Please consider praying, donating, and sharing because Aaron shouldn’t have to worry about finances as his life and future are left shattered.
Organizer and beneficiary
LeeAnn Conner
Organizer
Green Bay, WI
Aaron Anderson
Beneficiary