Cremation & Celebration of Life Fundraiser.

Update:

This is the update I've been dreading to share. Mom went to Heaven on Sunday 10/22/23. A year ago to the day we lost Dad. I want everyone to know that she was at peace with everything. She said she knew where she was going, wasn't afraid to die and that she was ready to be with Dad again. It is never easy saying goodbye to someone you love so I told her see you later.

We are asking for any help with the cremation costs and the Celebration of Life ceremony we are planning to have for her on November 3rd. Thank you for all of the help and kind words so far through all of this.

Update:

Hello everyone, this is Suzi.

I would like to thank everybody that has donated so far and give a update on my mother.

I wish it was a happier update but as we know cancer sucks and unfortunately Mom's is stage 4. As of right now her remaining brain tumors have continued to grow and surgery to remove them is not an option anymore. Her Dr has also informed us that chemo/amino therapy going forward wouldn't be in Mom's best interest either.

Right now mom is at Springfield Memorial waiting to be transferred to a rehab in Jacksonville. She will be given the chance to meet physical goals and if she does she won't need to go to 24/7 hospice care. We wanted to give her the option to try but know she will most likely not meet those goals.

Nobody likes to plan or think about death but after dad died in October I know I have to figure out the same thing now for mom. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We appreciate any help that is offered going forward. Thank you!

It has been a long, draining, six months for my best friend’s family. In October of last year, Suzi lost her father, Gary Dean Buchanan. Only four months later, her mother Cathy went to the doctor for horrible headaches, double vision, bad coordination, and problems walking. She had a CT scan and later an MRI at the end of February, and they found multiple tumors. After a biopsy three days later, Cathy Buchanan was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. The cancer had spread to the brain, causing multiple tumors to form.

Cathy had brain surgery to remove a golf ball sized tumor, then had to have a second surgery to place a draining tube for bleeding that wouldn’t stop on its own. She has started inpatient rehab at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Illinois to walk again as of the 14th of March. Her double vision is a long term deficit from the brain surgery, which will unfortunately result in her not being able to drive. She will shortly recieve radiation for the remaining tumors in her brain. She will finally be able to come home after completing her rehab and then will start her chemotherapy. She is in good spirits, and she is ready to kick cancer’s butt!

Suzi and her fiancé Tyler, along with their sons Grayson and Logan, were housing Cathy after the passing of Gary Dean and in the process of finding her a senior living apartment when they received the terrible news of cancer. In the space of only a few months, this lovely family has been given bad news over and over, and it has put a heavy toll on their lives.

Luckily, Suzi and her family have gotten Cathy into a wonderful senior community living apartment where she will be comfortable while going through her chemo treatment. But affording past bills and furniture for her apartment is beyond Suzi, Tyler, and Cathy’s capabilities right now. Expenses are piling up, and they need help!!!

I’m asking the community and anyone who reads Cathy’s story for help. This wonderful woman is already going through so much, and worrying about bills and a couch are the last things she should have on her mind as she fights cancer. I love my best friend and her family, and I want to do whatever I can to help. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

Please keep Cathy and her family in your thoughts and hearts. Anything helps!