Brain Cancer

I am reaching out to you today to ask for your help. Emil and Ellen Maxton have never asked for financial help nor are they asking for help now. I am asking for them. They could use financial help to cover costs associated with Emil going through cancer treatment, travel costs from Bayfield, CO to Denver, CO to meet with doctors and respective surgeries and rehab facilities.

In January 2022, Emil was diagnosed with glioblastoma a class 4 brain cancer. They thought he was experiencing symptoms of getting older, like we all are, until they went to the Emergency room in Durango, CO.

While there, they did a lot of tests and determined that he had a brain tumor. He was immediately airlifted to Denver, CO, where he went into surgery. They were able to get quite a bit of the tumor, but not all of it. In accordance with his diagnosis, he had to go through chemotherapy, radiation, and physical and cognitive therapy. Ellen had to drive up from Bayfield, CO (an 8-hour drive) while worrying about him. While Emil was in the hospital and prior to being released Ellen had to stay in a hotel which resulted in the family incurring additional expenses.

Emil was doing a lot better, with a positive outlook. All the rehab therapies were working. But, as fate would have it the tumor came back.

In October 2022 the doctors found Emil’s tumor had returned. Emil was airlifted back to Denver for a second surgery. Once again, he had to go through chemotherapy, radiation, and physical and cognitive therapy. Ellen had to stay in a hotel to be near him. Once they returned to Bayfield, Emil was able to continue his therapies at home and received his chemotherapy and radiation in Durango.

On March 22, 2023, Emil suffered a stroke because of the side effects of his chemotherapy medications. The stroke has been debilitating and he will require extensive help to regain his mobility and cognitive functions. As of today, Emil is in a full-time in-patient rehab facility.

You would hope that that would be the end of their troubles, but now Emil has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus. He is going to require another surgery to help drain the fluid in his brain.

Emil and Ellen have worked all their lives, been productive members of society and have health insurance. But insurance does not cover all the costs associated with his care.

I have known Emil and Ellen for over 41 years. They are like family, and it breaks my heart that they are going through this. Emil is a great guy. He loves the outdoors, whether it be skiing, shoveling snow, working in his garden, or walking in the forest with his dogs. Emil and Ellen are avid dog lovers. They have helped many dog rescues and have adopted numerous senior dogs whose family no longer wanted them. Throughout his ordeal, Emil has maintained his sense of humor and is looking forward to going home.

If donations exceed the amount requested or if there are any monies left over after expenses, it will be donated to brain cancer research.

Please join me in donating to this worthwhile cause. Thank you for taking the time to read this and considering a donation. Any donation no matter how large or small will be greatly appreciated.