DONATIONS FOR OUR DAD

Our Dad Casimir Makowski is our best friend, our rock, biggest supporter, running buddy, beer drinking bud, golf pal, role model, greatest father and husband just to name a few.

For those of you who do not know our Dad, he is extremely active and healthy without any medical issues and takes no more than a daily multivitamin. He is an avid runner completing both multiple full and half marathons. He is golfer, weight lifter and bowler who also enjoys tennis and basketball.





On July 17, 2018 one month after our Dad turned 60, our world was turned upside down. Four days prior to this he ran several miles with Ashley and golfed 18 holes which was a typical Saturday for him. Over the next few days he was not acting like himself and developed symptoms such as difficulty getting his words out, which quickly progressed into not being able to remember what he had for dinner an hour prior. Ashley and our mom had told him they were concerned that he was having a stroke and wanted to take him to the ER. He agreed to go, however only if he could walk there, which was typical of our Dad.

Once they got to the ER they let the staff know he needed to be seen asap. He was quickly brought back and had a CT scan performed. Shortly after, the emergency room  doctor delivered life altering news that the cause of our Dad’s symptoms was a large brain mass. He was then admitted to the hospital for further workup. An MRI was performed revealing a 6.2 cm mass in the left frontal lobe consistent with a high grade glioma, aka “glioblastoma.”  Glioblastoma is a fast growing, highly aggressive tumor that forms on the supportive tissues of the brain. Our family was in utter shock and to say this was unbelievable would be an understatement.

He was evaluated by a neurosurgeon who recommended a craniotomy which is a surgical procedure to remove the mass. On July 21, our Dad underwent a successful craniotomy thanks to an excellent neurosurgeon and the grace of God. He was monitored closely in both the intensive care and progressive care units thereafter.  He still had some weakness and word finding issues after this procedure and was recommended continued physical, occupational and speech therapy. 1 week later he was discharged home and has continued to make great strides post operatively. He is now established with a wonderful neuro-oncologist who has since been managing his care.

Unfortunately despite full removal of the tumor, glioblastoma has microscopic thread like tendrils that extend into the brain, which is why this is considered very aggressive with high rates of recurrence. Our Dad will now have to undergo radiation in conjunction with chemotherapy in hopes to destroy these surrounding cancer cells.

Our Dad is strong both physically and spiritually. He is a humble man of faith and integrity, who would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Over the years he has given much of himself through helping those around him. Some examples include donating to loved ones and local charities, helping friends move, and assisting neighbors with shoveling/raking.  He has been an usher at local churches and has participated in many church events to help the community. He has been a big brother, volunteered to help the homeless and was an active participant at a local food bank. This time, he needs the help and support, although he would never be the one to ask.

Those whose lives have been affected by cancer either directly or indirectly know the insurmountable debt that fighting cancer can add up to. Our Dad has always said to us growing up “CAN’T MEANS YOU HAVEN’T TRIED.” We are asking for support, giving this our all because he deserves nothing less than the absolute best. Donations will help relieve the financial burden of the cost of medical bills, imaging, medications, copays, transportation simply to name a few.

EVERY DONATION MATTERS!

Please continue to pray for our Dad as he fights this battle against glioblastoma. Our goal is to fight together as a family with everything we have and to find the positives in each day. We also hope this brings awareness to brain cancer and the need for continued research in finding a cure for this lethal disease.

Our Dad is fiercely loved by us, his daughters and his wife of 40 years. He is THE BEST DAD in the universe, our BEST FRIEND, SOON TO BE GRANDPA and the PILLAR OF OUR FAMILY. We need him here with us and have many more memories left to make together.


**Please help us get the word out to as many people as possible by sharing this link via Facebook, instagram, twitter, linkedin, email or text! We would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation in advance for donations, every donation matters!

With Love,
Cassie (Makowski) Shea, Ashley (Makowski) Rawlins & Brenda Makowski


“And we know that in ALL things, God works for those who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28