Evelyn's(Mom) breast cancer battle

I am Stan Freemyers, I recently retired from the US Navy after 30 years and settled in North Idaho.  The photo above is my mother Evelyn Clark.   I have spent the last 6 weeks or so helping out my parents in Northern California as my mother battles breast cancer.  As I assessed their situation medically and financially it became apparent that they needed help, more than my Sister Geneva and I, could provide.   We have been doing what we can with wonderful support from family, friends and our truly amazing rural community.  (My mom Evelyn, Sister Geneva, and I early in the processs)

     Their expenses are greater than their income and their reserves are nearly depleted.   I fear that without additional assistance bankruptcy is only a few months away.    What a huge stressfull burden on top of the medical concerns and treatment.  We are assessing everything possible to improve the situation.   Looking at  how to  sell some things to generate funds.   Some items require repairs before they could be sold.  We  have taken prompt action to reduce or mitigate monthly expenses  were can.  
     The family  are all humbled by this experience.   I am launching this campaign on behalf of my dearest mother Evelyn and stepfather Ed Clark in hopes that the kindness and generosity of friends, and friends of friends may be able to help.   I want her to be able to focus on the fight the rest of the year will bring instead of stressing about they can pay their bills.  
     I am confident that if she can apply her positive energy to healing, vice stressing amount finances, she will fight with all her being and win against the cancer.   She is full of life and love.   Your donations will assist in covering current expenses as well as making the moves that are needed to ensure that their long term situation will be sustainable on there fixed income.   Any assistance that can be provided however small is greatly appreciated.   My family and I  thank you dearly in advance for the blessings your assistance will bring.        (Mom resting with Fang her dog, my wife Sharyn made her the Cancer awareness blanket)

     What follows is their detailed story of the last year. My Mom has always been the sweetest lady, doing for others any way she could.  For the last several years she managed the local grocery store deli and bakery in my small hometown of Greenville, CA.   In a town that only has a couple of dinning options the deli and bakery at the only grocery store in town was frequented by most all.   She would interact with the community with a smile, good service, and great food.  I can safely say that she is blessed to have so many in our community that love her.  Many offers and acts of support for her have poured out from our wonderful community.   This past spring Evelyn turned 65 and made the decision to retire this summer and begin to draw her social security.  This would also allow here to be home more with my stepfather, Ed,  who has suffered numerous heart attacks, bypass surgeries, stints, pacemaker - defibrillator firing off 13 times, etc... over the last several years and he also suffers from severe COPD.  

(My stepfather Ed)

     They enjoyed the summer going to and holding yard sales, which is one of there favorite things to do.  They are collectors.  This also made some money to supplement their social security.   Mom, loving to cook was doing some catering events to earn money.  This summer, one such event, was catering the 50th class reunion for schoolmates that were just a couple of years ahead of her.   This aided in supplementing their limited social security income.   As summer came to an end my step father suffered an injury to his foot that resulted in a severe infection requiring hospitalization and surgery. As he was recovering from the foot issues, this past Fall, his COPD acted up resulted in a nighttime helo flight(flight for life) to Reading, CA. and hospitalization.  They made it home just in time for Thanksgiving .   My son and I were able to come down from Idaho and enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with them. 
      
(Just after we both got our hair cut)

     This series of issues had crippled any yard sales and catering opportunities as well as reducing any finical reserves they had built up.  Unfortunately the next shoe was about to drop.   Mom had been experiencing pain in her left breast as well as some abnormal surface skin changes.   Things moved quickly, she saw her Dr. on 30 Nov, a biopsy on 10 Dec and received the diagnosis of cancer on 14 Dec.   To get a better handle on what type of breast cancer, extent of spread, and stage many tests were required.   To get to the right Dr.'s and facilities travel was required initially to Truckee, CA ( 93 miles), and then to Chico, CA (94 miles).  In early Jan she was diagnosed with two types of Breast Cancer and assessed to be in Stage 3.  She is suffering from Her2 Positive and Inflammatory Breast Cancer.   The oncologist team quickly came up with an aggressive treatment plan that includes 20 weeks of initial Chemotherapy, followed by Surgery (Mastectomy or Lumpectomy TBD), 6 weeks of post-surgical daily radiation treatment with ongoing Chemotherapy.  
( Mom resting with Fang post haircut)

    All of these treatments are being administered in Chico, which is 93 miles from home.  We have completed 7 weeks of Chemo thus far and here spirits are good. It wipes her out pretty good for several days after treatment.  She began to lose her hair after the 4th Chemo treatment so together her and I got a little haircut in mid February.  We are moving forward each day with optimism and positive thoughts a day at a time. Thanks again for you assistance and blessings. We will be forever grateful.  God bless you.

(Mom ready to go in for another Chemo treatment)