Let's show some support for one who supports all!

Hi everyone!

My name is Laura Van Dyck; my dear friends Tracy and David Schoen could use some love and support. She is always the first person to step up and help out people in need and dogs that have been abused and forgotten. Her heart is bigger than life. Like me, you have probably found yourself picking up a thing or two to help or making a donation for one of her causes.

Five years ago, she married David and finally found the love she deserved. She and David were a match made in heaven. David jumped right in to help with her causes and could always be found transporting dogs, feeding them or walking them. He understands her.

Sadly life wasn't kind. David was diagnosed with CNS Lymphoma of the brain about four years ago and had different treatments, but the cancer has gone too far. He was hospice at home last week, and it isn't easy for Tracy. Although she has some paid help, she is doing a lot of this on her own. I know she could use our help and support, and she would never ask. I am asking that each of you that her kindness and friendship have ever touched consider helping her and David now when they need it.

Life is not fair and cancer sucks. Any amount is appreciated as I know this has been a rough couple of years for all of us.

Here is her note to me, she permitted me to share:

In 2018, after one year of marriage, an emergency hospital stay, research and a LOT of doctor's appointments, David was diagnosed with Stage 4 Primary CNS Lymphoma of the Brain. 2018 was a year of learning terms, seeing docs, discussion chemo and options, and moving forward. David did amazingly well and was in remission by August. Through 2019 and even through Covid's 2020, steady doctor's appointments, MRI's and David stayed in remission. He began struggling with aphasia around Christmas 2020, and in March of 21, was hit with small amount of cancer, and in his 3rd round, about to go into life saving Stem Cell Replacement, David had a stroke. It was minor, but combined with radiation, declining neuro function and scar tissue, David continued to decline cognitively. Most of 2021 was spent combatting tumors, dealing with radiation, and discussion Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant. At the end of 2021, he was in remission, and we were looking somewhat forward to 2022. It was to have been the year of "adventures" and doing things. One month ago we went to the Van Gogh Interactive, and a sweet friend had tickets for the Rodeo for action seats for us for in March.

February 28, 2022 was the beginning of the end as we were told the cancer is catastrophic, and has completely encompassed the right side of his brain, most of the left frontal lobe, the brain stem, and the spinal fluid.

As Tim McGraw says, "when it sank in that this might really be the real end, how's it hit you, when you get that kind of news?" Sadly, that is not a reality for us. David hopefully has about 8 weeks, and probably more realistically, 4-6 weeks, but it's changing daily.

It's interesting what we see on TV about hospice, where you are there with your loved one in the quiet hours, hospital bed humming quietly with a nurse keeping watch. I've been living this for 5 days now. It's a living nightmare that no one can prepare you for....no one. David's ability to speak is reduced to incoherent babbling. His comprehension is fairly non-existent. Asking if he needs to go to the bathroom can illicit a "yes", "maybe", "what to eat?" or "I don't know" response. Nights are a hodge podge of trying to get him to the bathroom, back to sleep, and generally watching to make sure nothing changes significantly. I am still working remotely, full time. Even with the most accommodating bosses in the world - I still have to work, and have a responsibility to my business units. It's a difficult journey at best, and at worst, it's a nightmare. A living nightmare that I hope no one ever has to go through with a spouse. Make their favorite meal, see the shows even if it's not your favorite genre, buy the things, use the good china, but more importantly, make sure that person knows you love them with every fiber of your being, because one day, they won't be there to hear you say it.

Tracy