Fight (CANCER) with the Forresters
Donation protected
What do you do when life rearranges itself unexpectedly in front of you and events unfold that leave you feeling numb, angry, and like you’ve had the life drained right out of you? On my birthday in January, I sat in the emergency vet off and on for over 24 hours waiting to see if my sweet husky, Nala, was going to pull through as a result of an accident. Within days, I was overjoyed with the compassion and love you all showed me, and eternally grateful for donations and outreach as I sat feeling hopeless and overwhelmed by the burden of the vet bill and deposit due upfront.
Nala didn't make it, and now, here we are as a family -- helpless, scared, overwhelmed. This time, it’s cancer, and it’s my dad (Chadwick).
As a result of a kidney injury Dad suffered in high school and ongoing problems, he’s had to have it monitored off and on. In July 2018 he was battling kidney stones and had to be taken to the ER b/c he was having trouble passing them. A CT scan was performed and a large cyst was discovered on the injured kidney. It was advised that he follow up with a urologist to see what was going on. The Urologist ordered another CT with contrast to have a more clear picture. Once the scan was completed, it was decided it should be monitored every 6 months. Another scan was completed in January 2019 showing the cyst continued to grow and that it would be monitored again in 6 more months. Both of those scans only showed problems with the cyst on the left kidney and that the right kidney was normal and healthy. An August 2019 scan showed the cyst on left kidney has grown to be larger than the kidney itself, but this time, the scan now indicated a 1.5 cm solid mass deep within the middle of his RIGHT kidney. So the doctor sent him for MRI and the following was determined:
The left kidney is to be left alone at this point because it is fluid filled and the right kidney is a bigger concern now. The tumor on his right is cancerous and fast growing, with a 40% chance of aggression (remember, July/August 2018 and January 2019 scans showed no signs of a tumor, indicating normality). A CT scan and MRI in August of this year showed a solid mass, measuring about 1.5 cm.
Long story short, Dad will be facing a major, complicated surgery in which at least half of his kidney will be taken out on December 12th. Dad doesn’t have health insurance, and we are looking at close to a week stay in hospital and a lengthy, tough recovery that will also be unpaid as missed time from work. Out of the tens of thousands this surgery will cost, a significant amount is due upfront and we need help.
I come to you again in a time of need, as I believe in the importance of reaching out to your community. 2019 has been so hard emotionally and physically for our family, and we need any help we can get, as we feel pretty hopeless and know this is going to be a difficult battle. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, and help however you feel inclined. We know our goal is high, but we have chosen to be transparent and set our goal to help cover half the amount we have been told to expect. Much love, from our family to yours.
Nala didn't make it, and now, here we are as a family -- helpless, scared, overwhelmed. This time, it’s cancer, and it’s my dad (Chadwick).
As a result of a kidney injury Dad suffered in high school and ongoing problems, he’s had to have it monitored off and on. In July 2018 he was battling kidney stones and had to be taken to the ER b/c he was having trouble passing them. A CT scan was performed and a large cyst was discovered on the injured kidney. It was advised that he follow up with a urologist to see what was going on. The Urologist ordered another CT with contrast to have a more clear picture. Once the scan was completed, it was decided it should be monitored every 6 months. Another scan was completed in January 2019 showing the cyst continued to grow and that it would be monitored again in 6 more months. Both of those scans only showed problems with the cyst on the left kidney and that the right kidney was normal and healthy. An August 2019 scan showed the cyst on left kidney has grown to be larger than the kidney itself, but this time, the scan now indicated a 1.5 cm solid mass deep within the middle of his RIGHT kidney. So the doctor sent him for MRI and the following was determined:
The left kidney is to be left alone at this point because it is fluid filled and the right kidney is a bigger concern now. The tumor on his right is cancerous and fast growing, with a 40% chance of aggression (remember, July/August 2018 and January 2019 scans showed no signs of a tumor, indicating normality). A CT scan and MRI in August of this year showed a solid mass, measuring about 1.5 cm.
Long story short, Dad will be facing a major, complicated surgery in which at least half of his kidney will be taken out on December 12th. Dad doesn’t have health insurance, and we are looking at close to a week stay in hospital and a lengthy, tough recovery that will also be unpaid as missed time from work. Out of the tens of thousands this surgery will cost, a significant amount is due upfront and we need help.
I come to you again in a time of need, as I believe in the importance of reaching out to your community. 2019 has been so hard emotionally and physically for our family, and we need any help we can get, as we feel pretty hopeless and know this is going to be a difficult battle. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers, and help however you feel inclined. We know our goal is high, but we have chosen to be transparent and set our goal to help cover half the amount we have been told to expect. Much love, from our family to yours.
Organizer and beneficiary
Cale Forrester
Organizer
Seneca, SC
Chadwick Forrester
Beneficiary