Back in April, Michael came home with double vision. After talking to an eye doctor, an MRI, and a referral to UW Seattle, we were told he had a "Benign Meningioma .' This is a non-cancerous tumor that grows on the tissue surrounding the brain. They recommended removal of the tumor.

Surgery went well, but the tumor had markers of something more aggressive. After surgery they scanned his body and found masses on his kidney, lungs, shoulder, and brain. Pathology came back as Kidney Cancer. 

It was recommended he start treatments right away. We are preparing for the second round of infusions, and are discovering a few things:

1. Treatments, as well as the actual tumors themselves, cause extreme pain, and mobility issues, leaving Michael physically disabled most days. 
2. Michael would like to be able to do more things pain-free and independently. 

We have figured out many ways in which to modify our environment to assist him with continued independence, as well as decreasing the pain he experiences by offering assistive devices for daily living needs.

However, we have found a few areas we need help with:

1. Getting in and out of bed.
We managed to put a platform down to help, but we really need something that is going to lift him into a sitting position.

2. Getting in and out of his easy chair.
This is his second sleeping area, as the tumors in his shoulder make it impossible for him to sleep in more than one position in bed, he often has to complete his night of sleep in his chair. As the pain has increased, we have found getting out of this chair to be extremely painful, when not impossible. 

3. Getting in and out of the shower.
Our shower has a bath, which is sloped on the sides, and close to the toilet in a way that makes a shower chair impossible. Michael only has the use of one arm, so it is difficult, even with grab bars, to get over the bath sides, especially when his hips are causing pain and not allowing his legs to come up high enough.)

Which brings me to what we are asking for:

1. We would like a split king adjustable bed.
$2,700.

2. A new easy chair, one that fits, lifts and lowers.
$700.

3. A shower kit and install. 
We would take volunteers for installation over financial contributions.
$500-$1,500.


We thank you all in advanced! We simply couldn't do this without our community. 

If you would like to keep up with our journey, you can go to Our YouTube Channel Here