Help Cassidy Stocker Meet Medical Expenses

The pandemic has meant “change” for everyone, but for our dear great-niece and godchild, Cassidy Stocker, and her family, the past year of changes has been devastating. On October 2, 2020, Cassidy went to the hospital for an MRI. The family expected confirmation that what she had been experiencing was migraines. Instead, doctors found that she had an inoperable brain tumor.

 

For the last eleven months, Cassidy has been on chemo for brain cancer. Due to debilitating side effects from the chemo, she now requires inpatient stays of 3-4 days with each infusion. In addition, she goes to the hospital weekly for bloodwork and also quarterly for extensive testing on her organs and body systems. These regular assessments will continue, in some capacity, for the rest of Cassidy’s life.

 

In May of 2021, Cassidy’s father, Greg, experienced a sudden company shutdown by his employer, with only one week’s notice. Since losing their sole source of income, he has started building his own business, but this means the family must rely on COBRA for insurance. At premiums of $2,200 per month and annual out-of-pocket costs of at least $7,000 (not including medications), this has stretched the family to their limits. The Stockers anticipate that in about six months, Greg’s business will be able to sustain their monthly needs. Until then, though, they are asking for your help.

 

It is terribly difficult to ask others for financial assistance, but more than anything, the Stockers want their children (Cassidy and her brother, Tye) to feel a sense of security during these trying months. They do not want to lose their home. Cassidy’s mom, Shannon, is unable to work full-time because of Cassidy’s medical needs, so they are reluctantly turning to the community for help to cover some of their medical-related expenses.

 

We are all deeply humbled by the generosity everyone has shown over the past year. Cards, clothes, gifts for the kids, donations for Cassidy’s cause (she has raised almost $10,000 for other kids with cancer), donations for Cassidy’s service dog … we know you’ve been there and hate to ask again. The family wouldn’t be making this appeal if they didn’t feel it was absolutely necessary for the emotional well-being of their children. We appreciate anything you can give toward medical-related expenses to bridge this brutal gap. Many heartfelt thanks for your continuing kindness and compassion.