Family Battling Cancer Together
Donation protected
This photo is Debbie Drescher (Grandmother) and her 9 year-old grandson, Cody Drescher. Sadly, they are both battling cancer at the same time. They reside in Neillsville, WI.
Debbie's story began 2 years ago when she went to her local doctor complaining of a pain in her side. After numerous tests, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She sought a 2nd opinion at a regional hospital and it was confirmed. Surgery was performed and she received radiation. Months later she was told she was free and clear of cancer.
However, the pain in her side persisted. Again she consulted with local/regional hospitals. In March, 2017, a routine colonoscopy indicated a mass in her colon that was cancer. Friends advised her to seek advice and treatment at The Cancer Treatment Center of America in Chicago since her former experiences had been "hit or miss." The specialists there confirmed colon cancer and indicated all her previous tests showed it had existed for 2 years. Due to negligence in diagnosing the cancer earlier, it had now spread to her abdomen and lungs.
A 13-hour surgery was performed to remove the mass as well as an infected hernia and appendix. Most recently, she had her first chemotherapy treatment and, of course, suffers side-effect; rash, nausea and weight loss. Spirits are good but due to other family members being diagnosed with cancer, her physical and mental recuperation is poor at best.
The worries of her beloved family consist of:
Debbie's elderly father being diagnosed with cancer several years ago. His prognosis is questionable.
Two weeks ago, Debbie's elderly mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer. She is considered high-risk and may possibly have to live without treatment.
Three weeks ago, Debbie heard the worst news any grandmother could hear. Her only grandchild, 9 year-old grandson, Cody, was rushed by ambulance to a hospital over 2 hours away suffering severe abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with T-Cell lymphoma, a collapsed lung and a large mass on his esophogus. Surgery was performed and his prognosis is 3 years of chemotherapy. He developed diabetes from his chemo and receives insulin injections daily as well as weekly spinal taps.
Debbie has been a faithful employee at the same facility for over 40 years. She has been on short-term disability since March, 2017, and her health insurance does not cover many of her cancer treatments. Due to her husband's delicate health with heart disease and more, he was forced to retire younger than planned. His social security is minimal at best and the cost of his pharmaceutical drugs is very high.
Debbie is literally heart-broken about all her family members but especially her grandson. Tradition was for family to take Cody to Wisconsin Dells each summer but when told by his father that as soon as he was able to be discharged, they would visit the Dells, Cody replied, "I don't think I'm ever going to the Dells again Daddy." At such a young age, Cody realizes the severity of his condition.
Debbie's main wish is for help for herself and her grandson. Cody's parents are sharing the caregiving for Cody and trying to alternate working their designated jobs. Both families' debts are mounting up beyond their control.
As so many who know Debbie will admit, she is one of the most giving and selfless persons we know. She always puts others before herself. It is very difficult for her to ask for help; especially monetary help. She wants to say "thank you" to all who have extended themselves recently with cards, gifts, flowers, meals and money.
She desires everyone to know that if you're able, please consider donating to her personal life's tragedy. She admits that there are many in this world who struggle to make ends meet so she will be forever grateful for any assistance you're able to provide.
But mostly, she asks for your PRAYERS...You, one and all, can help her win this battle.
Debbie's story began 2 years ago when she went to her local doctor complaining of a pain in her side. After numerous tests, she was diagnosed with uterine cancer. She sought a 2nd opinion at a regional hospital and it was confirmed. Surgery was performed and she received radiation. Months later she was told she was free and clear of cancer.
However, the pain in her side persisted. Again she consulted with local/regional hospitals. In March, 2017, a routine colonoscopy indicated a mass in her colon that was cancer. Friends advised her to seek advice and treatment at The Cancer Treatment Center of America in Chicago since her former experiences had been "hit or miss." The specialists there confirmed colon cancer and indicated all her previous tests showed it had existed for 2 years. Due to negligence in diagnosing the cancer earlier, it had now spread to her abdomen and lungs.
A 13-hour surgery was performed to remove the mass as well as an infected hernia and appendix. Most recently, she had her first chemotherapy treatment and, of course, suffers side-effect; rash, nausea and weight loss. Spirits are good but due to other family members being diagnosed with cancer, her physical and mental recuperation is poor at best.
The worries of her beloved family consist of:
Debbie's elderly father being diagnosed with cancer several years ago. His prognosis is questionable.
Two weeks ago, Debbie's elderly mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer. She is considered high-risk and may possibly have to live without treatment.
Three weeks ago, Debbie heard the worst news any grandmother could hear. Her only grandchild, 9 year-old grandson, Cody, was rushed by ambulance to a hospital over 2 hours away suffering severe abdominal pain. He was diagnosed with T-Cell lymphoma, a collapsed lung and a large mass on his esophogus. Surgery was performed and his prognosis is 3 years of chemotherapy. He developed diabetes from his chemo and receives insulin injections daily as well as weekly spinal taps.
Debbie has been a faithful employee at the same facility for over 40 years. She has been on short-term disability since March, 2017, and her health insurance does not cover many of her cancer treatments. Due to her husband's delicate health with heart disease and more, he was forced to retire younger than planned. His social security is minimal at best and the cost of his pharmaceutical drugs is very high.
Debbie is literally heart-broken about all her family members but especially her grandson. Tradition was for family to take Cody to Wisconsin Dells each summer but when told by his father that as soon as he was able to be discharged, they would visit the Dells, Cody replied, "I don't think I'm ever going to the Dells again Daddy." At such a young age, Cody realizes the severity of his condition.
Debbie's main wish is for help for herself and her grandson. Cody's parents are sharing the caregiving for Cody and trying to alternate working their designated jobs. Both families' debts are mounting up beyond their control.
As so many who know Debbie will admit, she is one of the most giving and selfless persons we know. She always puts others before herself. It is very difficult for her to ask for help; especially monetary help. She wants to say "thank you" to all who have extended themselves recently with cards, gifts, flowers, meals and money.
She desires everyone to know that if you're able, please consider donating to her personal life's tragedy. She admits that there are many in this world who struggle to make ends meet so she will be forever grateful for any assistance you're able to provide.
But mostly, she asks for your PRAYERS...You, one and all, can help her win this battle.
Organizer and beneficiary
Gail Schabloski
Organizer
Oshkosh, WI
Bonnie Mayenschein
Beneficiary
Inspired to help? Start a fundraiser for someone you know
