Help with expenses during cancer treatment.

Hello All!

I've created this page for one of my closet friends Lori Young and her son Dave. They have been on a whirlwind of emotions over the last couple of months. Lori’s son, David Buxton, who has Cystic Fibrosis, has also been diagnosed with a grade 3 pineal parenchymal tumor of intermediate differentiation. A cancerous tumor in his brain.

On February 12th, Dave went to the ER with an aura and a bad headache. His CAT scan revealed a large tumor on his pineal gland that caused hydrocephalus. He was transported to Emory University Neuro ICU.

On February 14th, Dave underwent surgery for a biopsy of the tumor and to place an external drain to relieve the hydrocephalus.

On March 11th, Dave underwent a second very complex 8-hour surgery to remove the tumor from the middle of his brain. He remained in the neuro ICU post-op until March 21st.

He was discharged to Lori's house initially because he had to relearn almost everything. He also lost peripheral vision bilaterally, at least temporarily.

He is working on regaining his balance, gaining strength, short-term memory, and being able to function independently again.

Since his release, Dave has been going to physical therapy and multiple doctor's visits in Atlanta. He has had an LP. He also had an MRI which showed several lesions on his spine.

On April 25th, Lori and Dave went to another doctor's appointment in Atlanta for the next plan of action.

Starting May 12th, Dave will be in Atlanta Monday through Friday for six weeks straight to receive Proton Radiation Therapy. This is a very specialized radiation not offered in Columbus.

Dave has to have a designated care person stay with him in Atlanta during his treatment. Lori will be that person. They are currently on a 6-8 week waitlist for assisted lodging provided by the care facility. It doesn't look hopeful they will get a room at this time, so they are currently looking to figure lodging out.

Dave is a school teacher and is obviously not able to work until after all treatment. His insurance deductible is several thousand dollars.

The financial strain is a huge stress during times like this, no matter your situation.

Friends... if you're able, let's help take some of the financial burden away so Dave can focus on the job of getting better.

Transportation back and forth to Atlanta, eating, lodging for six weeks, loss of wages, copays, parking, household expenses, anything and everything is very expensive. He also still needs all his Cystic Fibrosis medications.

Also, Dave will require chemotherapy after Proton Radiation treatments.

Please, above all, keep this family in your prayers.

April