Help for Kenny
Donation protected
Asking for help is never easy, and what makes it possible to do it is knowing that our world is filled with loving caring family, friends, and even strangers.
After many months (and doctor visits) of not feeling well, on December 2, 2018, my baby brother Kenny was diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction cancer. On that Sunday afternoon Kenny became very ill and was sent to the emergency room at Central Maine Medical Center. That evening he was given the devastating diagnosis. In the days that followed Kenny met with a wonderful team of doctors who came up with a treatment plan that included radiation, chemotherapy and then surgery to remove the mass. Despite this life changing diagnosis we were optimistic that the cancer would be treatable and survivable.
Five weeks into the six week treatment plan Kenny became very ill while at one of his daily radiation treatments. He was again admitted to CMMC where another endoscopy showed that the cancer was not responding to the treatment but the evil monster was aggressively growing and spreading throughout his body.
With the love and support of his family & friends Kenny began the process of deciding how he wanted to live his remaining time with us. His first and most important decision was to be at home with his children and pregnant wife Johanna. Being a father has brought such joy to Kenny's life. His children are his North Star, his motivation for every good thing in his life. Having lost our dad at such a young age, being able to be a dad who is truly present in his children's lives has been a constant blessing in Kenny's life.
Next was a plan of action. How could Kenny be at home, not in a hospice center? He wants nothing more than to be with his children; have breakfast with them, go to a school event or the movies. Living each and every moment he has. How will that work? How will we make it possible for Kenny to be home and out of the extreme pain that this diagnosis brings?
In order to provide the 24/7 care that Kenny needs, his wife Johanna has taken a leave of absence. Being self employed means that there are no benefits to fall back on. With the generous help of family and friends Kenny and Johanna have been able to live this simple life, celebrating each day as the gift that it is, for the past two months. Unfortunately their funds are running out and the time has come to reach out to our extended family, friends and community.
If you know Kenny personally you know he has the kindest heart. He has worked hard throughout his life, overcome huge challenges that many people do not, and ultimately been an amazing example to his children of what being a good father is all about.
Kenny has always been that guy to bring a smile, a laugh and a helping hand to all of the wonderful people he has encountered in life.
Let's help him enjoy his remaining time with us; we are forever grateful if you could make a contribution of any amount to help defray Kenny & Johanna's living expenses. None of us know how long we'll have on this Earth, personally I hope I'll be writing updates here next winter, while my brother is celebrating Christmas with his new baby boy. In the mean time, please remember that each day is a gift, live it, love it.
After many months (and doctor visits) of not feeling well, on December 2, 2018, my baby brother Kenny was diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction cancer. On that Sunday afternoon Kenny became very ill and was sent to the emergency room at Central Maine Medical Center. That evening he was given the devastating diagnosis. In the days that followed Kenny met with a wonderful team of doctors who came up with a treatment plan that included radiation, chemotherapy and then surgery to remove the mass. Despite this life changing diagnosis we were optimistic that the cancer would be treatable and survivable.
Five weeks into the six week treatment plan Kenny became very ill while at one of his daily radiation treatments. He was again admitted to CMMC where another endoscopy showed that the cancer was not responding to the treatment but the evil monster was aggressively growing and spreading throughout his body.
With the love and support of his family & friends Kenny began the process of deciding how he wanted to live his remaining time with us. His first and most important decision was to be at home with his children and pregnant wife Johanna. Being a father has brought such joy to Kenny's life. His children are his North Star, his motivation for every good thing in his life. Having lost our dad at such a young age, being able to be a dad who is truly present in his children's lives has been a constant blessing in Kenny's life.
Next was a plan of action. How could Kenny be at home, not in a hospice center? He wants nothing more than to be with his children; have breakfast with them, go to a school event or the movies. Living each and every moment he has. How will that work? How will we make it possible for Kenny to be home and out of the extreme pain that this diagnosis brings?
In order to provide the 24/7 care that Kenny needs, his wife Johanna has taken a leave of absence. Being self employed means that there are no benefits to fall back on. With the generous help of family and friends Kenny and Johanna have been able to live this simple life, celebrating each day as the gift that it is, for the past two months. Unfortunately their funds are running out and the time has come to reach out to our extended family, friends and community.
If you know Kenny personally you know he has the kindest heart. He has worked hard throughout his life, overcome huge challenges that many people do not, and ultimately been an amazing example to his children of what being a good father is all about.
Kenny has always been that guy to bring a smile, a laugh and a helping hand to all of the wonderful people he has encountered in life.
Let's help him enjoy his remaining time with us; we are forever grateful if you could make a contribution of any amount to help defray Kenny & Johanna's living expenses. None of us know how long we'll have on this Earth, personally I hope I'll be writing updates here next winter, while my brother is celebrating Christmas with his new baby boy. In the mean time, please remember that each day is a gift, live it, love it.
Organizer and beneficiary
Lisa Michelle
Organizer
Bridgton, ME
Johanna Huntress
Beneficiary
