Support the Sanders

A few weeks ago I received a phone call from Kelly Sanders, a friend who used to live in my old neighborhood.  Our children grew up together.  Kelly, her husband and two boys moved to Florida two years ago.  We still keep in touch – not regularly, but we know that we are there for each other should the need arise.  All the women who were part of our small group of neighborhood friends share this understanding, even though we do not see each other as often as we did when our children were small.   When Kelly called, I assumed it was to chat – perhaps she wanted to catch me up on her new house and her boys’ activities, or maybe she was planning another visit to New England.  I wish now more than anything that this had been her purpose.  Sadly, Kelly called to inform me that she was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and that within one month’s time, her world has turned upside down.  Kelly is 46.  The medical protocol is to screen women at age 50.  There is no history of colon cancer in her family.  The Sanders were completely blind-sided by this news.

This page is set up by the circle of friends in Kelly’s life who love her and her family dearly.  Kelly is not the kind of person to ask for anything.  In fact, she is one of the most generous and humble people we know, always thinking about others before herself.  Given her personality, it came as no surprise when Kelly initially said “no” to our wanting to set up this page.  Thankfully, after much convincing, she has given us the permission to pull it together.  Kelly and her family could use your help.   After her diagnosis, Kelly had to quit her full-time job and is now living apart from her husband and boys with her parents outside of Boston where she is receiving the best treatment possible.  Losing an income and facing exorbitant co-pays have put a financial strain on the family.  And, because Kelly receives treatments in Boston, the family also is spending resources on flights for Kelly’s husband, Mike and sons, Gavin and Clayton to see her.  This is an incredibly difficult time for this family and your support in any amount will go a long way.  We love you Kelly, Mike, Gavin and Clayton.