Patty Dillon's Medical Fund

Patty Dillon’s courageous battle with breast cancer began over a year ago. After returning from a fun-filled ski trip with her husband, Jeff, and two sons, Blake and Brad, she noticed some soreness in her underarm.  As she left the gym after a workout with a friend, they talked about how she may have pulled a muscle during the trip, how thankful they were for such good health at their age, and how they needed to get a double date planned with their husbands. Before hugging goodbye, her friend said “Patty-Cake, you have to go see your doctor this week.”  She promised she would, and she did.
On February 19, 2014, Patty and Jeff received the devastating news that she did indeed have breast cancer. Two weeks later, an MRI showed that the cancer was more advanced and aggressive than what the doctors had originally thought.  Still, Patty was brave, positive, strong, and ready to fight and win.  Watching her disposition as she went through 20 weeks of chemotherapy treatments, 28 radiation treatments, a double mastectomy, and breast reconstruction surgery was inspiring.  She lost her hair and still looked as beautiful as ever, never complaining. 
Patty is always thinking of everyone else. She continued to provide care for her frail mother who passed away last fall. She made sure that Brad’s pantry was stuffed with nutritious and delicious food. She supported Jeff through the loss of his job. She was grateful for any kindness, small or great from her friends and family. This past January, we were all overjoyed when she announced that the cancer was in remission, and she seemingly had won the fight.
Unfortunately in March, joy turned to sorrow when Patty learned that the cancer had metastasized to her brain.  Again, she has been a trouper through the intensive radiation treatments to her brain, losing her hair once again.  She continued her selfless ways, being Jeff’s cheerleader as he searched for a new job, encouraging him to leave her side to travel for interviews. She made Blake’s decision to relocate to Florida a non-option for him, insisting he follow his dreams, although he was torn about leaving her during this difficult time.

In April, Patty’s condition worsened.  She lost her ability to walk and has been hospitalized. Currently, she is enduring great pain as the cancer has migrated into her spinal fluid.  To deliver chemotherapy directly to her brain and spinal fluid, a new port has been placed in her head. More radiation treatments have been given to alleviate the intensifying pain in her back. Patty is determined to live.

Jeff has been remodeling the first floor of their home to accommodate her during this phase of the cancer. She wants to be home.  He has transformed the living room into a bedroom that will suit her current need for a hospital bed, wheelchair and portable shower.  She will now be able to look out the windows at home. She can enjoy her yard and the beautiful sights that spring has to offer. Her puppy, Tiffy, is waiting for her to come home.

We love and cherish Patty so much, and we know that you do, too. Thank you to all who have visited Patty during her battle, who have made meals, run errands, mowed the lawn, helped Jeff with the reconstruction, and lifted her and her family up in prayer during this difficult time. Your actions and prayers have meant so much to both Jeff and Patty.

If you feel you would like to do more to help this incredible pair, please consider a donation to help Patty and Jeff financially. Because of the loss of his job, Jeff’s insurance premium costs are much higher than when he was employed. The work that Jeff has done to make their home ready for Patty is not covered by insurance. Your donation will be used to offset costs that their insurance does not cover, including these home renovations. Thank you again for your continued love, prayers, visits, and acts of kindness that have been such blessings and brought great comfort during Patty’s illness.