Hello everyone, my name is Renee Smith and I am raising funds for my dear friend Dennis Straub who was recently diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. Dennis has been ill and unable to work since late August 2021, when he was hospitalized with a severe case of COVID-19. Dennis’ illness came on hard and fast, taking us all by surprise, especially since he had walked our daughter Rachael down the aisle just a few weeks before.  

Following his hospitalization for COVID-19, Dennis continued with fatigue, visual disturbances, impaired balance and headaches, which were thought to be lingering symptoms from his COVID-19 infection.  During the course of months of testing to rule out other causes for his ongoing symptoms, an MRI identified a suspicious mass in Dennis' brain. Dennis had brain surgery on January 18, 2022, and a biopsy of the tissue they removed revealed a high-grade glioblastoma in his left frontal lobe. Although the neurosurgeon was able to remove most of Dennis’ tumor, there is no known cure for this aggressive cancer.  Even though Dennis understands the seriousness of his condition and the difficult road that lies ahead, he remains determined to fight as hard as he can, not only for himself, but for his devoted wife Erika and for his children Rachael and Jake. And we are going to fight right along-side him! 

Throughout the course of his illness, Dennis has remained positive, facing every new challenge like a true warrior, armed with his silly sense of humor that we all have come to love. The past several months of  being stuck at home and unable to drive  has been a big adjustment for Dennis, especially since he led a very active lifestyle before his illness, and he has always been an extremely hard worker.  

Dennis is currently recovering from surgery in a rehabilitation hospital, and he is scheduled to begin chemotherapy and radiation in early February. The funds that we raise through this campaign will be used to help cover the out-of-pocket expenses for Dennis’ medical care, including his upcoming oncology treatments, and will help offset the loss of income that he and Erika have sustained for the past several months.

 

In addition to being an inspiration for his courage and determination to fight Glioblastoma, Dennis is one of the kindest people I know. Even though they are both young adults now, his devotion to our children still makes my heart overflow. Although it wasn’t always easy, co-parenting with Dennis, and also with Erika in recent years, has been a true blessing.  

 

 

Throughout his 51 years, Dennis has been quick to help others, always willing to lend a hand at the drop of a hat. He is a self-taught jack of all trades – whether it’s home renovation or figuring out what’s wrong with your car. His amazing billiards skills have left many opponents standing idle while he cleared the entire pool table in one turn! But what Dennis enjoys most in life are the simple things most of us take for granted. Things like spending time with his kids, enjoying the great outdoors with Erika, and snuggling on the couch with his adopted dogs, Ben and Heidi. With your help, we’ll make sure Dennis gets back to the comfort of his home surrounded by the people (and fur babies!) he loves and who love him most.  

 

 

Despite all his talents and his giving nature, Dennis is also humble and modest, never expecting anything in return. Although he knows I am organizing this fundraiser, neither he nor Erika requested that I do so. If you know Dennis well, it’s likely you also know that this is just one of many battles he has been up against during his life, and if there was ever a person who deserved a helping hand, it’s Dennis, and it's right now!

 

Please join me in sending love, light, positive vibes, and prayers to Dennis as he faces his biggest battle yet. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will make a HUGE difference, allowing Dennis and Erika to focus on his upcoming treatments and his return home, instead of on the uncovered medical expenses that are quickly piling up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

With much gratitude,  and in the spirit of hope and love, THANK YOU!!! 

 

Warmly,

Renee Smith