Update: Ed Flowers Has Passed Away

Update:  It is with profound sadness that I share the news that Ed Flowers passed away on Friday, February 4th at the age of 58.   This GoFundMe initiative had started ironically just prior to his death February 4th as a call to family, friends and work associates to assist Ed & his family in the fight of his life.  Ed passed away from cardiac arrest due to complications from brain cancer.   His wife Kathy, sons Ryan and Jason, and brother Tom were at his side when he died.   Please consider contributing to this fund to assist his family with Ed's outstanding medical costs and the family's general living expenses.    Ed loved his family, friends and associates immensely and certainly lived life to the fullest.  He will be forever missed but never forgotten.   A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 9th at 11am at Mater Christi Catholic Church in North Riverside, IL.  (More details to follow.)

Below is what I originally included in the initial GoFundMe announcement last Friday, which provided the background of Ed's illness.  His brother Tom and Sister-In-Law Mary were very instrumental in its content.   Please be sure to scroll all of the way down to see pictures of Ed before and after his diagnosis. 

In Mid-September ’21, Ed enjoyed a rare opportunity to visit friends back in Chicago and take in a weekend trip with a few of his best friends to Sister Lakes, MI. While there, Ed got a round of golf in but encountered not differentiating red or black colors. Over the next couple of weeks, his vision was quickly deteriorating. Ed had MRI and CT scans done in the second week of October. Three golfball-sized tumors were discovered on the right side of his brain, and he was diagnosed with a rare and highly aggressive form of brain cancer, Grade IV Glioma Blastoma. Ed underwent 6-weeks of daily radiation treatment and chemotherapy, but unfortunately, he has completely lost his eyesight and mobility on the left side of his body. Last week, the doctors found an additional tumor growing around his brainstem and slight growth in his existing tumors. Ed is fighting for his life with help from his family and friends.

 

For those who know Ed, you know he is a highly high-energy individual who sees the glass as half-full, constantly considers the potential and positivity in people, and is always ready to lift those around him when they’re down. He is a person of action and a risk-taker who has never backed down from a business or personal challenge. Above all, Ed lights up a room with his warm smile and his thoughtful and caring words, all while telling a funny joke or story.

 

Now more than ever, Ed needs our help in fighting this epic battle. We are asking for financial assistance in the form of a cash donation, in whatever amount you can afford, to assist with both uncovered medical and non-medical expenses along with any additional costs Ed will incur for at-home care and ongoing therapy.

 

Ed, along with his wife Kathy and the entire family, thank you for your ongoing support and generosity throughout this tough battle.

Ed with Family & Friends Prior to Diagnosis & Treatment-

          

 


   

 

  December ’21 and January ’22.  Ed undergoing radiation treatment and visits from family and great friends.