July 31st, Michele Macke was admitted to the Regional Hospital in Idaho Falls, ID with severe headaches resulting from  hemorrhaging in her brain.  At first she made slow progress. The pain was reduced and she was able to walk short distances and drink fluids. 
    On Monday, August 12th,  her condition deteriorated rapidly.  She became bedridden and had difficulty moving more that a few fingers.   We believe this to be the first of many strokes.   She was life-flighted to the Utah University Hospital in Salt Lake City.
    A week later she was stable enough to withstand a major surgery.  The neurosurgeons removed a mass from her brain that was assessed to be Malignant Melanoma.  The cancer had spread from a skin cancer treated two years previous.

   The medical expenses have likely risen into the millions and are beyond the scope of this fund request.  Greg has not worked for over three weeks.  He quickly exhausted his vacation time and is receiving no pay while on family friendly leave from work.  It is unclear when he will be able to return to work and the income Michele earned as a home healthcare nurse is unlikely to return.

   Cost for motels, food and transportation while in Salt Lake City average about $600 per week.  For now, Greg's parents and Michele's Mother are  sharing these expenses. 
    We are reaching out to friends, family and internet readers for assistance with basic living expenses while Greg is unable to work.  Our initial goal is $4000 which would represent one month of general living expenses for Greg and Michele.
   Should Michele succumb to her illness, funds would also help with  her final expenses. 
   Greg has exhausted his savings and is looking at options for borrowing money from his retirement plan.  Any assistance would be greatly appreciated and help meet day to day bills.