Help Heather Chessman with End-of-Life Care

Dearest Family, Friends, and Supporters,

We haven’t updated the fundraiser in a while due to some sad news that feels so difficult to share. In late September, we received word that treatment wasn’t working. The new chemotherapy that we were hoping would give Heather a few more years did not work. The cancer on the liver has continued to grow. We were at a crossroads with a difficult decision to make. We could 1) potentially get six months on really brutal chemo or 2) take the three to five months the doctor estimated and live the best life possible without the treatment regimens and the side effects of chemo.

After all the ups and down, highs and lows of this 12-year journey, we took the three to five months. We are now in month four, and the cancer has continued to grow. Symptoms of decline have begun and Heather has enrolled in Hospice, and they have been a wonderful support and resource. Incredible really. They are offering pain support, comfort, wisdom and spiritual counseling, and a social worker to help us navigate this unknown place.

Heather has transitioned to a protocol to help support what liver function she has left. She is also looking at what funeral services best align with her values and wishes. Family are visiting in the first two weeks in February to spend time with us.

We are so grateful for the donations we have received thus far. They have carried to this point and they have supported Heather’s physical, emotional, and spiritual care. We would like to raise a few more dollars to help with the protocol, burial expenses, a special chair that allows her to sit or lay comfortably outside, meetings with her specialists, food for the days and nights when its too hard to physically prepare meals, and since Roger will need to take off work to care for Heather in her final months it would be helpful to have additional funds for rent and other household expenses.

If you cannot donate at this time, we would appreciate prayers and positive thoughts for comfort and strength. We’d also sincerely appreciate it if you would share this campaign on social media or with family and friends. No amount is too small. We are extremely grateful for all of your support.

With the Deepest of Gratitude and Love,

Heather and Roger