Life for Stephanie

In June of 2017, Stephanie was a vibrant mother of four children, and three grandchildren; she is the wife of Greg, sister of Pamela, Albert Jr. and Rosalyn; daughter of Albert and JoAnn.   Stephanie is very active in the community and family events, she's a person whom always takes care of others, especially those in need; and always with a smile.

Stephanie was ancticipating the send off of her new graduated son to college in the fall, with her youngest son entering the eleventh grade.  Stephanie works as a High Limits Dealer  at a local casino in Lake Charles, LA;

In mid June she started to experience symptoms that caused her to think that she had a stroke.  It all began with slurred speech , drooling, numbness in hands.  She was already suffering with chronic headaches and other pain ailments, (osteopenia) that disabled her quality of life.  After a progression of symptoms she was urged by family to seek professional help.  A trip to the emergency room would reveal nothing wrong,  a call following emergency room visit from primary doctors office and many tests that would follow (MRI's, Cat Scans, Blood work, etc..). would tell a story of devestating news for family members. 

After meeting with specialists and under going a biopsy, Stephanie was diagnosed with Stage 4 Gliobastoma Brain Cancer (GBM).  Stepanie's life expectancy would be three months if she chooses not to undergo the treatment.  She was referred to M.D. Anderson in Houston, TX where she is told that the cancer is terminal and has grown since July's MRI; however with surgery she may have more months added to her life.  She agreed to the surgery if it was deemed to give her more time and allow her to keep her dignity, (as she stated she prefers quality over quantity, she doesn't want to be a vegetable).  Stephanie's faith is strong and she knows she will be ok in the end.  She is worried about her husband and children.  The tumor has taken her feelings/emotions away, she is not able to cry as we do and for that part I am thankful, (she doesn't necessary understand).  She will undergo surgery this Thursday, August 24, 2017, and chemotherapy/radiation treatments thereafter.  There have been a number of co-pays, deductibles, traveling expenses (ie..hotels, food, gas, etc...), children preparations (school supplies, therapy, photos with mom), and not to count she is no longer working and her husband has had to take off to assist with everything she would have normally taken care of without complaint.  

We are a family that prays together and helps were needed. Needless to say it's time for our families pride to be set aside and face reality,  we need help.  My name is Pamela and I reside in Las Vegas, Nevada.  I also haven't been working because I have had a hard time leaving my sisters side, when you talk to someone everyday on the phone and know that your time with them is short you want to spend every waking minute.  I'm not worried about me, I'll be ok.  I ask for this assistance for her, her husband and her children.   We will need funds as soon as possible, as we are already in the negative.  I can promise you that the funds donated will be put to good use, paying co-pays, lunch, hotel room fees, gas for the car and helping her kids with school, groceries for the house, visiting their mom, etc... 

I would like to end with please and thank you in advance for any and every donation.  May it be that you donated funds, held a hand, gave a hug, shared her story, etc... we appreciate you and promise to keep you updated as much as possible on Stephanie's progress. 

Love,
Pamela & Charmaine