Loving Scott, Fighting Cancer!

Hi Everyone,

Thanks so much for showing up here for us - that means a lot already. Truly.

Most of you already know that the last few months have been like no other for us all. In October, we were shocked to learn that Scott has a rare form of cancer (bile duct) which had progressed to stage IV before it was diagnosed. Needless to say, our lives turned upside down overnight. The time since then has been scary, painful, confusing and exhausting. It’s also been a time of revelation, reconnection, resilience and deep love. (We’ve chronicled some of the ups and downs on our CaringBridge site: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/love4scottsusanmateo).

There is also good news right now: We are very grateful that Scott has responded well to treatment. Although he is often tired and in pain, chemo is making progress against the cancer, and the side effects have been relatively minor. That, and our gratitude for the love between us and the support of family and friends, is lifting our hearts as we head into the holidays and begin to think about the next steps in this journey.

Many of you have reached out, offering support and asking how you can help. Those expressions of care and concern are support in themselves. It helps a great deal when we feel that we are not facing this alone. Some of you have also shown up to help with practicalities: doing errands, getting Mateo to and from school, and hosting him on afternoons when Scott is at treatment and Susan is at work. That’s made a big difference over these last weeks. Thank you, thank you!

We know many of you who are far away or aren’t free at school drive times want to help too. It’s taken us some time to get clear on our other needs, but we can see now that we also need some financial support.

We are facing mounting medical bills, the cost of hiring a driver to get Mateo to school, and a loss of income due to Susan’s reduced workload as she takes family medical leave. Additionally, tuition costs for Mateo next school year will increase; the self-study days we had planned for him to have with Scott are no longer an option. As we look out over the next year, we will have a shortfall of several thousand dollars, which adds to the stress we are facing already.

We know resources are tight for lots of people right now. Please know that we will feel better about any support you can offer if you only offer what you can give without hardship. We are so appreciative of any support that you can give, monetary or otherwise. Sharing our story and this fundraiser is another way to help, if you are comfortable doing so.

Just the fact that you are here and reading this makes us less alone. So we’ll finish the way we began: It just means so much that you are here. Thank you from our hearts!

Susan, Scott & Mateo