Longabaugh Family Compassion Fund

It is with big love and compassion that I share with you a recent game changer that has descended on the Wells-Longabaugh family.


February of 2015, Gary Longabaugh, my lifelong friend Leslie's husband, father of Jeff, Sean and Jay, was diagnosed with inoperable/incurable liver and bile duct cancer. At the time of diagnosis, the hope and goal was to arrest the growth of cancer and extend the life line. Gary was prescribed two chemotherapy drugs and aggressive treatments began. Gary is a fighter, his body was responding very well at first, hopes were high!  However, by August treatment of one of the chemo drugs was discontinued, as the strength of the drugs are hard on the body over time.  To best maintain quality of life, Gary is now on one drug with regular chemo to be used for the foreseeable future.
Gary is presently fairly comfortable, the treatment is regular, and side effects include nausea, flu-like symptoms, fever and sleep.  He has good days that the family hopes to find windows to provide comfort and joy.  The family is connected and committed to insuring Gary remains comfortable and cared for.

The financial implications of this event are far reaching. While Gary is on disability, with a majority of the medical bills cared for, the income only goes so far. The finances are a daily struggle and with no life insurance, tomorrow brings concern.  This in fact is Gary’s heaviest weight and worry.  Today, the family vehicle needs work, as the car is desperately needed to get Gary back and forth to treatment and the funds are not available to fix.  Again, while the fundamentals of the home are cared for there is virtually no money left over for the extras.  One Longabaugh wishes is to fix the riding lawn mower, so when Gary has good days he can do what he loves and care for his yard. 

Gary's beautiful family are doing all they can, facing this challenge with their humor and optimisms.  I ask that you find it in your heart to contribute to making life a little more comfortable during this time and with anticipations to give Gary’s greatest concern a rest and the family a small financial platform to face tomorrow.