First off, let me tell you the great news. I was recently granted a “Dream” from the Dream Foundation  (similar to Make-A-Wish, but for adults). It was quite the surprise! My original request involved working with a company that, unbeknownst to me, only works with children. But after working with my Dream Coordinator, I may just have ended up with an even better “Dream.”
 
Why a Dream? Well, most of you already know my story, but I do know that this writing may be seen by people who don’t have details. So, here goes:
 
In January of this year I was diagnosed with Terminal Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Hel-lo! By the beginning of February I was settled back in my old room at my parents’ house. Only what fit in my car for the trip from Portland to Fremont would survive as “my estate” (and that’s with 3 people in the Jetta). I had my first Fremont medical visit the afternoon I landed in Fremont. I did chemo for a couple weeks for palliative purposes, but quit it shortly thereafter. The chemo was making me sick and horrible in ways I’d never experienced before. Had my diagnosis not been terminal, I may have made other choices, who knows?
 
I’d rather have a functional ending, not a bed-ridden one. So, I’m now living like I’m dying (which, I don’t think you can really do if you’re not dying). Taking advantage of the fact that “terminality” is, well, terminal, why not apply for one of those whish-y things? So, with the help of my extra special Social Worker on my amazing hospice team, I applied for a Dream and… moved on. Then, last Tuesday I got a call…
 
I was told I was going to be a recipient of one of the Dream Foundation’s Dreams. Which is: 8 days/7 nights at a luxury beachfront condo  on The Big Island (that’s Hawai’i folks!), airfare via Alaska Airlines, and some other fun stuff  I don’t yet know about. However, I do know about the expenses I will be responsible for, and that’s where you come in.
 
I’m looking to cover the things that the Foundation will not cover. These funds will cover both me and my caregiver only. Any additional guests I invite are responsible for their own finances! So here’s what I need to cover: upgraded airfare (from regular Coach Class to Premier Class, NOT 1st Class; due to fatness and mobility issues, I would greatly appreciate the 5 hr. flight even more), a mobility scooter, a rental car & gas, a GPS/Audio Tour device, all meals, and resort fees (for the crazy-luxury resort  next door to the condo. My budget is available upon request.
 
So there ya go. What I’ve won and how you can help me and help my folks. Medical care in this country is expensive, but I’m poor enough to have MediCal and they are the one’s footing the bills of most of my medical costs. Not that there have not been some outside expenses. But those medical bills have gratefully been covered by my parents. And that’s why I come to you now. My folks are currently funding the part of the dream that Ineed to cover. But, when I return from Hawai’i, I would love to hand over a check to them to recoup their funding of my Dream. My income comes from monthly SSI Disability payments, and while they do cover my monthly expenses, they don’t cover a trip to Hawai’i, one of my Bucket List items that I can now scratch off!
 
Any amount helps – no donation is too small. And if you can’t afford a donation at this time, sending good vibes my way would also be greatly appreciated. And just so ya know, any funding received that goes over my budget will be donated to Amy Armstrong’s own cancer fund. She is a friend who was diagnosed with Stage 2 ovarian cancer around the same time as I was diagnosed and she does not have insurance and could surely use the help!
 
Big, big love and hugs. Muah!
 
Gina Elizabeth LoVecchio