Raising for Ruben

Mr. Ruben has been part of our Butterfield family for the past 23 years.  He is a truly dedicated custodian and friend who takes great pride in our school.  In late September, Ruben was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on his right kidney with his only symptom being blood in his urine.  While waiting three very long weeks to determine the course of action, Ruben developed blood clots in his legs that caused him pain, inability to walk and much concern.  Ruben and his family were anxiously awaiting for insurance to approve his surgery as the doctors were out of his network.  On October 11, 2017 he underwent quite an extensive surgery as the tumor had extended to the arteries in his heart and caused further complications.  Not only did they remove the cancerous kidney at this time but also cleaned out his arteries and repaired a hole in his heart.  The surgery was much more than they expected and doctors called him "a miracle".  Ruben was moved to a rehabilitation center in North Chicago but was shortly moved back to the hospital as he developed an infection in his lungs compromising his recovery.  He had difficulty breathing and fluid was extracted from his lungs.  When he was stable, he was moved to another rehabilitation center in Zion.   Ruben recently received good news and after 7 weeks of being in hosptials and rehabilitation homes, he was able to go home on November 30th.   He has a long road to recovery ahead of him as he is very sore and weak.  Unfortunately, he is not sure when he will be able to return to work.  

Ruben's family (4 children and a granddaughter) have been by his side from the very beginning.  His wife, Veronica, took time from her job to be with him day and night and recently returned to her job so that she would maintain employment.  His children and extended family have also been his support system while their lives suddenly took a different path.  Butterfield School  misses Mr. Ruben and want to help out as  much as possible.  Please consider donating to "Raising for Ruben" to  help offset medical costs the family has endured and ease the financial burden.  The Carlin family truly appreciates your support!!