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“The word ‘cancer’ changes everything. You have to fight when it seems hopeless, move when the pain is unbearable, smile through your tears, and embrace the love that surrounds you. Now, each day with my family is a gift for which I am humbly grateful, and there are no words for the profound gratitude I feel for the love and support of friends and community.”
~ Bill Newsome
BRAVE SURVIVORS NEED YOUR HELP NOW
It has been a long, difficult drama for the Newsomes, who have gone from being a happy family with substantial savings to one trapped in a medical and financial nightmare. As people who have always given back, it is hard for them to find themselves facing a bleak and uncertain future. For decades, they have somehow managed to overcome more challenges than most people experience in a lifetime, but now the obstacles are too great for them to go it alone anymore.
The Newsomes have always been caregivers, taking Nancy’s dad into their home for five years, then taking care of Bill’s mom throughout her terminal illness.
After a few short happy years in their dream home, they lost it and everything they owned in the East Bay Firestorm. Meanwhile, Bill’s ongoing eye surgeries left him with very limited vision.
Nancy’s natural resilience has been repeatedly tested by brain surgery, breast cancer, crippling rotoscoliosis, and arthritis. She is now unable walk more than a few steps without a cane or must use a wheelchair.
The last four years, however, have been the hardest of all as Bill’s health has declined dramatically. After two bouts of near-fatal sepsis (systemic blood infections) and losing 90 pounds, he was diagnosed with stage three ampullary cancer. He endured an 8½ hour Whipple Procedure, where parts of his digestive system were removed and what was left was reconstructed. This was followed by six months of weekly chemotherapy, in-home nursing, and a slow, painful recovery, which still continues. He was inexplicably septic a third time last year, and this year had yet another abdominal surgery. He is still weak and finds it necessary to sleep four hours during the day. Unfortunately, his latest scans indicate some disturbing changes, and he may be facing treatment once again.
Over the years, business reversals and the many medical expenses and challenges have coincided to decimate all their savings and forced them to sell their home of 17 years. Unable to work enough to make a reasonable living, they have kept up a brave face to the world.
It is urgent that they get out of the crushing debt they have accumulated and be able to pay their rent and living expenses in this uncertain time. They desperately need your support, and they need it soon.
Please give what you can, and feel free to contact the Newsomes to connect or make a direct contribution.
Thank you so much,
Cristine Dewey, Stephanie Edgerton, Gail McCallister & Laura Suski
~ Bill Newsome
BRAVE SURVIVORS NEED YOUR HELP NOW
It has been a long, difficult drama for the Newsomes, who have gone from being a happy family with substantial savings to one trapped in a medical and financial nightmare. As people who have always given back, it is hard for them to find themselves facing a bleak and uncertain future. For decades, they have somehow managed to overcome more challenges than most people experience in a lifetime, but now the obstacles are too great for them to go it alone anymore.
The Newsomes have always been caregivers, taking Nancy’s dad into their home for five years, then taking care of Bill’s mom throughout her terminal illness.
After a few short happy years in their dream home, they lost it and everything they owned in the East Bay Firestorm. Meanwhile, Bill’s ongoing eye surgeries left him with very limited vision.
Nancy’s natural resilience has been repeatedly tested by brain surgery, breast cancer, crippling rotoscoliosis, and arthritis. She is now unable walk more than a few steps without a cane or must use a wheelchair.
The last four years, however, have been the hardest of all as Bill’s health has declined dramatically. After two bouts of near-fatal sepsis (systemic blood infections) and losing 90 pounds, he was diagnosed with stage three ampullary cancer. He endured an 8½ hour Whipple Procedure, where parts of his digestive system were removed and what was left was reconstructed. This was followed by six months of weekly chemotherapy, in-home nursing, and a slow, painful recovery, which still continues. He was inexplicably septic a third time last year, and this year had yet another abdominal surgery. He is still weak and finds it necessary to sleep four hours during the day. Unfortunately, his latest scans indicate some disturbing changes, and he may be facing treatment once again.
Over the years, business reversals and the many medical expenses and challenges have coincided to decimate all their savings and forced them to sell their home of 17 years. Unable to work enough to make a reasonable living, they have kept up a brave face to the world.
It is urgent that they get out of the crushing debt they have accumulated and be able to pay their rent and living expenses in this uncertain time. They desperately need your support, and they need it soon.
Please give what you can, and feel free to contact the Newsomes to connect or make a direct contribution.
Thank you so much,
Cristine Dewey, Stephanie Edgerton, Gail McCallister & Laura Suski