Peter and Arline Herczeg-Raschke

Hey, Deb Artindale here! I'm setting this gofund me up on behalf of Arline and Peter.

As all of you may already know, Arline has been suffering from bile duct cancer for almost 5 years now with the fears of it spreading throughout her body. Due to the increased costs of medical devices, prescriptions, and everything associated with receiving care such as travel to and from appointments and hospital visits not covered, Peter and Arline have been struggling financially for several years now...

Now with a heavy heart, it saddens us to say that Peter has been diagnosed with aggressive pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately he has been given only seven months to live unless he proceeds with a whipple procedure that may give him up to two years to live. He has opted for the surgery which is scheduled for November 18 so PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, keep him in your prayers...

Both Arline and Peter do receive CPP and Old Age Pension. Peter is awaiting for short term disability to start but let's be honest, it won't be much and will only last for 6 months so let's take that out of the equation. With the CPP and Old Age they receive they will manage to cover their rent, household costs and vehicle costs. At this point they will be tapped out at and not be able to put food on the table (especially when they need to eat healthier which as we all know means more $$$$$). There will not be any funds for any additional medical costs not covered by OHIP or benefit plans. Additionally no funds left for basic toiletries or self care such as hair cuts etc.

Arline just underwent spinal cord surgery October 25 and is now at home recovering. With Peter's surgery scheduled for November 18 or possibly even sooner, Arline is in no shape to be able to help Peter once sent home. Again, funding would help to bring in a care worker to take care of Peter at the very least if not both of them.

Arline is most fearful of not only losing Peter to this dreadful cancer, but she does not know how she will continue to survive afterwards. They have already put plans in motion to both be cremated when the time comes and have expressed their wishes to not have funerals. At this point should Peter pass prior to Arline she will receive his death benefit which will cover cremation costs for both thankfully at least but as Peter is over 65 his life insurance through work will only be half of what he would have received earlier in age. Awful how those who work longer in life actually get penalized....So that brings us back to Arline being extremely worried about how she will survive on her own. Unfortunately there is no family support nearby that are able to help.

So, to summarize, every penny counts! In addition or in lieu of monetary donations, any other help or support is welcome! Food, resources, moral support and any donations that can help towards everyday living would be most grateful!

Arline and Peter wish to express their gratitude for everyone's ongoing support.

CANCER SUCKS!!!!!