Debbie's Middle Finger to Cancer

My sister Debbie was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic pancreatic cancer on July 11, 2022. She has lesions on her pancreas, liver, and lungs, and the doctors have advised her that it is inoperable. While we are confident Debbie will spend every last ounce of her will and determination battling against this disease, we are also realistic that she can’t do it alone.

Debbie is 53 years young and has always been selfless in her ability to help others. As her competitive younger brother who cherishes sibling rivalry, I would love to sit here and tell you how much better I am as a person. All kidding aside, I don’t even come close to being the loving, caring, and selfless person I see in her. The best way to demonstrate how much I believe this statement is to tell you that when my kids were born almost 14 years ago, my wife and I designated Debbie as the legal guardian for our children in the event something happened to us.

The best example of Debbie’s selflessness in her everyday life is her 11 years-old son Kelly. Kelly entered the foster care system as an infant after being removed from a harmful living situation. Debbie was thrust into this crazy world of caring for a tiny human (by her choosing) and has loved every minute of being a single parent. In 2015 my sister officially adopted Kelly, and the Slucki family could not have asked for a better addition. By adopting Kelly, not only did Debbie remove him from a harmful living situation, she provided love, support, and stability. It hasn’t always been easy for her, but it has always been rewarding.

So, why the Go Fund Me? While we are confident my sister will symbolically (and probably literally) flick her middle finger at this disease and fight like no other, we have started this Go Fund Me account to ease Debbie’s burden. In essence, we only want her to concentrate on fighting this disease. Over the days, weeks, and months ahead, Debbie will face countless doctor appointments, cancer treatments, and potential hospital stays. During chemo treatments, she may be unable to perform everyday tasks such as caring for her and Kelly’s immediate needs, cooking, cleaning, yard work, getting Kelly to/from activities, shopping and more. Beyond the average costs of everyday living - mortgage, food, gas, and car, to name a few - the medical expenses will be astronomical, even with insurance. Contributions will also provide financial support for Kelly’s future endeavors.

Please support Debbie's fight by giving what you can. Every contribution is impactful and appreciated. In addition to monetary support, feel free to share your symbolic or actual middle finger to cancer while you are at it!

- Debbie’s brother Brian (or as Debbie calls me, “Bro”) on behalf of the entire Slucki family.