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Hello family, friends, and kind strangers! My name is Courtney Smith and I am reaching out to ask you for your help! One of the longest, dearest, and most cherished friendships I have is with an amazing lady named Carmen Rossi Davis. She is family to me and simply put her family is my family. The Rossi clan includes Carmen, CR, Mary and their parents Carl Sr. and Pam. CR is also the beloved Uncle to Jazzelle, Mya, and Becham Davis, Rose and Bradley Bruns, and a great brother in law to Aaron Davis. They are an amazing group of people and mean the world to me and many others.
Her younger brother, CR, went into the emergency room due to back pain over the July fourth weekend and came out with a devastating life changing diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The last few weeks have been filled with Dr. appointments, tests, unfortunately more ER visits, and an entire family coming to terms with this overwhelming new reality. It has been an emotional roller coaster ride. Yes, fear, anxiety, and tears have crept in, but not without some dancing, lots of love, and laughs as well.
Unfortunately, what we know so far is CR is dealing with a very aggressive and deadly form of pancreatic cancer and it has spread. He is in the fight for his life and at the age of 45 is far too young to be dealing with something this daunting and unexpected. In the upcoming days and weeks, as they meet with specialists, gets tests, and biopsy results back in, CR and the family will have a better idea about what the next steps will be and have a plan of action going forward. Due to the advanced stage of this disease CR is unable to return to work. He needs to focus on his health and treatment. The Rossi family is spread out across states like many of us are these days. I am asking for money donations to help this amazing family to cover CR`s medical bills, living expenses, and any travel/lodging expenses that will occur in the upcoming days and months. Please, help me ease their burdens just a little bit financially, so they can concentrate on the fight at hand and spend time together making memories! Every little bit will help and no amount is too small!
Lets face it most us of have been touched by the terrifying C-word in some way, shape, or form. Maybe you are one of the unfortunate souls who have heard the words "you have cancer" like CR or me? Or maybe you have cared for a loved one going through treatment? Maybe you know a brave bad ass survivor like my high school friend Alicia D.? Or sadly you may know someone that has lost their courageous battle? Please donate to this deserving family in honor of them and their memory! I am calling on all my cancer, prayer, and good deed warriors to help CR and his family during this very difficult time. Share the page and spread the word!
We will be transparent on the use of donations in the future as updates are provided about CR`s cancer journey. All money collected will be going straight to his sister Carmen Rossi Davis and will be used for the above mentioned purposes on CR`s behalf, so that he can concentrate on his health going forward. Pancreatic cancer is a formable foe that is without a doubt, so any money left over will be used for end of life cost and/or donated to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in CR's honor.
But don`t be mistaken! NOW is the time for CR to prepare for the battle, fight like hell, kick some cancer butt, and to be surrounded and supported by his loved ones during this challenging time. CR wants people to know that if your are experiencing any of the following symptoms: weight loss, abdominal discomfort that may spread to sides and back, back pain, development of type 2 diabetes, jaundice, loss of appetite, light-colored or floating stools. dark urine, itching, fatigue or swelling of arm or leg which may be due to a blood clot. CR urges you to go to your Dr. and get tested right away! After all, if the engine or oil light goes on in your car you don`t put it off; you get it checked right away. He wants you to know if something feels off or if a light goes off in your head about your body to get it checked immediately! Don`t take no for an answer if your Dr. isn`t taking your symptoms seriously. Early detection is key in pancreatic cancer treatment, care, and outcomes! The link to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will be provided so that you can learn more about this amazing organization and to spread awareness about this aggressive and unforgiving form of cancer. Spreading awareness is key and will be very important to CR and his family going forward. They want to prevent others from suffering from this cruel disease in the future.
CR, the entire Rossi/Davis/Bruns family, and I would like to thank all of you amazing rock stars in advance for your donations and generosity. Your kindness is appreciated more than you will ever truly know. This family has rough roads ahead and your donations will ease their burdens. I am asking you to keep CR and the entire family in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. Please share and spread the word. Remember life is fragile, so if nothing else please go hug your family members and tell them you love them today.
Thanks so much for your time!
Courtney Smith