Help! Dro laid off while caring for Diane with Brain Cancer

I am writing this fundraiser for dear Diane and Dro. I have known Diane since 2001 when we worked at Wing Lake together in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She would tell me about her mom, an artist who played piano so beautifully and I shared how it stirred something in me hearing that and seeing our children pick up musical instruments. (In fact, her daughter Ani got to know one of my son's best friends at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp! What a small world.) I was new to the particular population we served at Wing Lake Developmental Center in Michigan. Diane offered support, I developed my own perspective and we would occasionally bump heads about things but honestly had so much more in common and a great working relationship. I think that Diane invented the "push-in" model of providing services in collaborative programs for students with multiple communication needs. I love the "push in" model I learned from her and still use it today! Our collaboration was fun! We also talked football, sharing our love of the University of Michigan. I remember Diane created a fun powerpoint activity about the Michigan State versus UM rivalry. Of course half of the staff wore green/white and others wore the maize and blue. We used props to tell our stories and they were multi-sensory. We made books using tangible symbols - and this was before apps and when PECS was popular as the big thing in AAC! So long ago now!

Over time, I got to know her family and saw the love between them - nothing short of authentic and real. They taught me so much about life, living, and loyalty to one another. We shared space in the speech room for about six or so years until she announced that they were moving to LA. She finished out the school year and off they went. It was about 3-4 years later I decided move on- and moved to the Bay area in California via Portland. Of course, we kept in touch (as she supported me through some very tough years and shared cross-country moving tips.)

In 2019, Diane, Dro, and family moved to the SF Bay area (Dro found new employment and Diane joined me at the Speech Pathology Group) and low and behold, we were once again able to hang out! It was fun because now I had a real friend here in CA and it was quite special because of our roots, our shared experiences.

I am a witness to this sweet family and their journey. I remember Diane talking about her youngest, Michael, who was only 3 years old when we met. Now he shares in the caregiving of his mom with Dro.

In her role as a Speech/Language Pathologist working with autistic students and those with complex diagnoses/communication needs, Diane always showed grace and determination to do the good work. She once told me, "No matter the paperwork and how hard my day is, I walk into a classroom (or into a home) with a smile on my face. I don't know what the teachers (and parents) are dealing with and that's the least I can do. We go from there."

I have seen Diane and Dro embed themselves in community service from the Boy Scouts in Farmington Hills, teaching Sunday School at St. Sarkis in Dearborn, Michigan, then at St. Gregory in Pasadena, mentoring graduate interns wherever she worked, (on top of caring for her disabled brother, Greg) … and always building everyone else up. Always.

During early 2021, Diane began experiencing dizzy spells that got progressively worse. I remember talking with her and thought it sounded like an ear infection involving her balance. The antibiotics did not help and soon she could not keep her balance walking 5 feet. By the end of February of 2021, Diane was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Mutiforme located in the right frontal lobe. Diane underwent brain surgery, and they were able to remove most of the tumor except for a small part that was located “very deep.” After surgery, a course of oral chemotherapy and radiation commenced. Diane continued this treatment for several months post-surgery. During treatment, Diane continued working. Her daughter, Ani, just got engaged during Christmas of 2020 and their family had so much to look forward to. The family enjoyed a wonderful family vacation (on Lake Michigan) celebrating Ani’s engagement. They celebrated Ani and Sean’s wedding in San Jose and another trip out east the following year - all in between Diane’s treatments. The family was adjusting to the new reality and living life to the fullest.

By March of 2023, Diane began sensing that something was changing, she experienced small focal seizures and a significant decline in her physical ability to walk. She underwent a second surgery, and the team found a significant amount of necrosis (scarring buildup) likely due to the radiation therapy. The necrotic brain tissue had to be removed, and Diane began several months of rehabilitation. But this time, it’s been a lot more difficult.

Diane has been home since June of 2023 and receives Physical therapy at home. Her mobility has declined significantly. She is able to sit independently but gets around in a wheelchair. She needs full assistance to transfer from her wheelchair to a chair or to bed. She requires 1-person assist for hygienic self-care. Diane can communicate and remains lucid; however, she does tire easily. She might fall asleep mid sentence if she has had a busy day. Diane exhibits some anomia (trouble calling specific words to mind) with occasional memory difficulties. There are moments when she is more responsive than initiative, hence, some cognitive functions reduce her capacity, especially if she is tired. Michael and Dro have to keep a constant eye on her because Diane will begin moving impulsively and they want to prevent further falls or injuries. In spite of all of this, they continue to live life to the fullest, as best they can.

Prior to her illness, Diane maintained the home and managed all the finances. At this time, Dro now manages the home and is working the best he can to keep up with the financial obligations which have skyrocketed since her cancer diagnosis. Since her second surgery in March 2023, Dro is her full-time caregiver.

It is easy to see how much was placed on Dro's shoulders while trying to keep his job. In March, 2024, he lost his full-time position and is now unemployed. They were already living paycheck to paycheck and as of May they will have only a very minimal income (a small disability check they now receive.) In the meantime, medical debt is building. Dro is spending time job hunting (full-time) WHILE caring for his wife, also depending on Michael a lot.

This is the most gracious, thoughtful family and even with all of their challenges, Dro feels strongly that they endure this as a team. Dro said, “I don’t hate our situation. It’s part of life. Diane was such an independent minded person. It’s just what we do. We love her and taking care of her is our way to thank her and show her our love for her.” He often quotes Bo’s Michigan theme: “The Team…The Team…The Team.”

I am amazed at how many lives Diane has impacted in the sweetest, most gentle way. She’s an empathetic friend, a kind neighbor, a colleague I’m proud to know. She’s a teacher, a Speech/Language Pathologist, and a strong believer in everyone’s potential. Diane is a woman of faith and a church goer. She is loved by her dear friends and family on the East coast, and childhood/lifelong friends in Farmington Hills, Michigan. Diane is very much missed by her past neighbors in Kendallwood, friends and colleagues at Wing Lake Developmental Center. They are proud members of the Armenian Church communities in Michigan and California. She still receives the sweetest notes from parents of the little ones she served in Michigan, Pasadena, Simi Valley, and in Antoch. Diane is “salt of the earth” and the real deal with her grace and kindness so geographically wide-spread.

If you can, please “join the Team” and donate in the way that works best for you in the form of money or a prayer. Dro welcomes any possible work leads too! If you can kindly share the link to this fundraiser, this will help get the word out.

Dro and Diane have cut out all expenses that are not crucial. We are hoping to raise $50,000.00 to cover:

Thank you so much for reading this and giving Diane and Dro your kind, warm wishes in any way that you can.