Coke and Tom's Excellent Adventure!

Colleen “Coke” was diagnosed with a debilitating, inoperable Astrocytoma Glioblastoma in October. The worst type of brain tumor a girl could have. Thus far she has battled through three weeks of radiation, chemo and now Monoclonal infusions. Her prognosis remains at one year. Regardless of her struggles to speak and walk, she greets each day without pain, a RADIANT smile and quite often... with a SONG! Brain cancer may have taken some control of her body but it can’t influence her spirit.

This Beautiful warrior has cared, raised and unconditionally loved children for over 40 years. For 12 years she ran an in-home daycare, instilling within my brother and me compassion, empathy and ENDLESS patience. That contagious passion for wee ones was shared for another 25 years while teaching at La Petite Daycare in the infant/toddler room. To THIS day she receives letters, pictures and loving reminders that stemmed from the plethora of “Littles” she influenced. EACH Christmas she decorates the kitchen with cards. A barrage of beaming faces tightly tethered to her heart today. This woman deserves the world! But babies shared only half of her soul!

Mom and dad have been married for 42 years. They spent their summers fishing, camping and traveling to places not yet explored. Mom used to say “The best part of having kids young is the time you get to spend reconnecting with the love of your life”.

Nobody could prepare my dad’s soul for what he now endures daily. Immediately after hospitalization, he took a leave from work to be mom’s sole caregiver. His cares not only superseded our expectations but continues to inspire mom's medical team daily. “I get to take care of my bride” he says with a teary smile.

We are starting this GO FUND me page to help cover one last trip. Mom wanted to visit the Grand Canyon. Pending the Neuro Oncologist’s approval, dad would like to rent an RV to take her there before she leaves us on this crazy adventure.

We are hoping to book a trip in mid February (maybe Valentines Day for extra eye rolling). She will be finished with her third Chemo treatment and it will be frigid here in the Midwest! We are requesting donations to help cover travel expenses and give mom and dad their last DREAM trip. Thank you in advance for your donations to this beautiful soul and her end of life adventure! Taking donations via Venmo @CJDrey or on FB Pay for those uncomfortable with Go Fund Me. Words cannot express our gratitude over the abundance of love that surrounds us during this difficult time. As mom always said with a smile “Everything will work out...if you believe”.