Help Cat and David Battle Cancer

My name is Dan Ludwig and I am a physical therapist at Middlesex Hospital. Many of you know Cathleen and David Andrew. Cathleen has worked for Middlesex Hospital for many years both in the rehab department and in the radiology department. Her husband David has worked for All Waste for many years and is also a retired volunteer firefighter after 23 years of service. As you all know, they are both amazing and caring people. David went to the emergency room at Middlesex Hospital on December 6th due to vomiting. He was admitted briefly but was sent home. He returned to the emergency department shortly after and was readmitted to the hospital. Further testing initially did not provide any diagnosis other than a blockage near his stomach. He underwent surgery for a gastric bypass as he was not able to get nutrition from an oral diet. Since he appeared medically stable days after the procedure he was then discharged back home but wound up back in the hospital again with blood clots in his leg and a pulmonary embolism.

He is still in the hospital at this time and further diagnostic testing has revealed a diagnosis of stage 4 bladder cancer with metastasis to the lymph nodes in his groin, to his psoas muscle as well as to a few other possible isolated spots. He has needed a biliary drain, bilateral kidney drains and a catheter. He is unable to get nutrition on his own from eating and has a nasogastric tube at this time. The plan is for him to return home when and if he becomes medically stable and to start chemotherapy as soon as possible. He will need continued testing, possible surgery on his bladder and eventual radiation when and if the tumor shrinks.

As you can imagine this type of life altering event has taken a toll financially on both Cathleen and David. David has used up all his sick time and is currently on short term disability which will last up to 6 months. Cathleen has used up all her vacation time and will only be allowed to use 2 weeks of sick time to take care of David, much of which has already been used up. Cathleen and David will need financial assistance to pay for rent, utility bills, food, gas, medical bills and any other necessary expenses.  Anybody who knows Cat and David understands what amazing people they are and what fun they are to be around. They have been through so much over the last 5-6 weeks and still have an extremely long haul ahead of them. Please feel free to donate whatever you can to help Cat and David out during this extremely difficult time. Thank you for anything you can give and keep them both in your thoughts and prayers.