Madeline’s Battle Against Glioblastoma Cancer

I am proud to say that I have known Madeline Dombroski for 22 years. I met Madeline's son Bobby sophomore year of high school and we became fast friends. We are best friends to this day and I consider Bobby and his mom family. I sincerely hope to know Madeline for many more years, but devastatingly to myself, her friends, and loved ones, that will not be possible. Life tends to blindside us when we least expect it and sadly misfortune befalls even the greatest of us. Madeline recently retired and moved to Maine in August of this year to be with Bobby, his wife Larkin, and her grandchild Alma. She was looking forward to a fresh start and to enjoy her retirement with her closest loved ones, especially with Alma who she absolutely adores, as you can see from the cover photo! For Madeline, misfortune fell at a time that could not be more inopportune when she was diagnosed with terminal Glioblastoma brain cancer within weeks of moving to Maine. Before she left she was having nagging issues with her wrist that was suspected to be related to her previous carpal tunnel diagnosis. But sadly those issues could not be related to any worse circumstance.

 

The Dombroskis are hardworking self-sufficient people who are too humble to ask for help even when they need it the most. So I am spearheading this initiative at my suggestion with their support, approval, and graciousness. Everyone was hoping Madeline would have a fighting chance to beat the cancer, and until two days past this Gofundme was going to be about helping her fight the good fight. Then her outlook in facing this aggressive, evil disease changed rapidly when she was informed the only helpful treatment would be to receive hospice care so she can have the least painful end of life. As unjust as it sounds for such a selfless woman, much of the necessary palliative treatment is not being covered by Medicare.

 

This is Madeline's story.

 

To all those who've had the pleasure of meeting her, Madeline is a kind, thoughtful and giving person to say the least. She grew up in Southwest Philadelphia as one of four children, whose mom was one of eighteen children. Madeline married Robert Dombroski and they had their one and only child Bobby. The Dombroskis are not strangers to adversity. When Bobby was a young child tragedy struck when his father died and Madeline became widowed.

 

Another way to describe Madeline is a strong Italian Catholic woman that speaks her mind. Thus it was no surprise that when she was widowed it did not stop her from facing life head on. Madeline continued to work tirelessly at the travel agency where she would ultimately spend over 30 years. She did not remarry and she devoted herself to providing the best upbringing that she could for Bobby. By no means did she become wealthy. But she worked hard and selflessly so she could send Bobby to one of the most well-regarded private schools in the Philadelphia region so he could have best education she could afford.

 

To offer a personal perspective on Madeline, I remember meeting her as a 15 year old kid from the suburbs with a not-so-great home situation. I can't say I'd ever met anyone quite like her in the way that she is strong and selfless. Madeline was always open and kind to me and I would spend countless nights over her house without any objection. She has spent her whole life thinking of others and now she needs people to think about her. We are asking for any kind generosity that those who are willing to give, will give.

 

The following are the mounting costs for Madeline and her family that they most direly need help with:

1. Childcare for Alma costing $20 an hour so Bobby and his wife Larkin can focus on tending to and spending the time that remains with his mom.

2. House cleaning costing $25 an hour related to the same circumstance above.

3. Round-the-clock registered nurse care costing $30 an hour.

4. Healthy meals for Madeline costing approximately $10 per meal.

5. Medication cost of $600 per month.

6. KN95 masks for all visitors due to Madeline's compromised fragile immune system, costing $20-$30 per box.

7. Sterilized gloves costing $20 per box.

8. The unknown cost of her hospital recent stays and brain surgery, the bills of which they have yet to receive, but are expected to be insurmountable. 

 

The Dombroskis sincerely appreciate any generosity kindly given to help Madeline. Thank you!