Help Przytula Family Battle Cancer

Our Story

Over 4 years ago our family was shaken with the news that our loveable brother-in-law Art had been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer knows as pilocytic astrocytoma. Most common in young children, these tumors grow at the base of the brain stem (where the skull meets the cervical vertebra) and are largely inoperable.

Leading up to this, Art had been an energetic entrepreneur, Father and husband: spending days providing for his family in the roofing business and evenings at school functions and playing with the kids. At family parties he could always be counted on to insert humorous anectdotes and get the crowd going. He was one of those people that everyone felt comfortable and welcome around.

The weeks leading up to the diagnosis Art had been plagued with debilitating headaches and dizziness. Like any 34 year old man, he popped a few Tylenols and continued on with the day. There is no time to be sick when you own your own business.

Then, one Friday night Art was at a party when the headache struck him abruptly. It was so shockingly painful that it caused him to pass out in the midst of the festivities. Terrified, the hosts called 911. The rest is history....

Since being diagnosed, Art has experienced a wealth of pain- physically, emotionally and spiritually. Another tumor grew: this time much larger in size. Several rounds of chemo and multiple surgeries have kept the disease at bay thus far but at a large cost to his family. 

His personality is altered. The tumors impact parts of the brain that control temperment and memory. He is often forgetful or may fly off the handle at the littlest thing. 

His physical abilities have dwindled substantially. After multiple strokes and despite physical therapy efforts, Art cannot effectively use the right side of his body. He walks with a limp and cannot do simple acts of daily living.

Furthermore, these ailments have caused his business to shut down and effectively- his income to dry up. Having no choice, his wife Donna reentered the workforce after being gone for 6 years raising children. Most of you can imagine that 40+ hour workweeks at an entry-level position are hardly enough to provide for a terminally-ill spouse and 2 school-aged children. 

While these past 4+ years have taken an immense toll on the collective family I would be remiss not to mention Art's children, Lilly and Alex. They watched their doting Father transform into a disabled and fragile man who spends most days lying in bed sleeping (out of sheer exhaustion and pain). Lilly- once a smiling, energetic and outgoing little girl- is now shy and quiet. She is painfully aware of this road that her Father is traveling down. Alex, the younger child is more oblivious to what is happening- however he does notice a change in Mom's lack of presence at home and Dad spending more time than usual in bed.

Recently the medical staff has informed Art and Donna that the tumors are growing and suggested another round of chemo, however their outcome is grim. Donna has begun preparing for the inevitable, while trying to provide for her family financially, care for a sick husband, keep a household together and most importantly, guide and support her children. It is difficult to watch--- especially since there is nothing that one person can do to ease the burden. You can see the exhaustion in her eyes and sense the heaviness in her heart. If we can pull together funds to help the family financially it would be one less facet of life for her to worry about constantly.

Thank you~ For all your support!!