
Rally for Don's Recovery
Donation protected
Hello Friends, Family & Followers!
My name is Trish Cardwell from Jonesborough, Tennessee. This cause is for my younger brother, Don Cardwell, and his wife, Jennifer. They are in most need right now of financial assistance for navigating their expenses while seeking follow-up care for Don, without the benefit and assistance of personal health insurance. He currently requires periodic labs and CT scans to monitor his status and ensure his levels are stable.
The following is a "snapshot" of what my brother & his wife endured at the onset in November 2017, bringing about his need for financial aid and help from those willing to partner with them ... if you are unable to assist financially, please keep them in your prayers. Trusting God has them in His grip. Thank you for your support!
Please see updates for the newest info.
And so it began...
Just after Thanksgiving on November 27, 2017, my brother went to the ER under duress. Doctors explained he was suffering from severe anemia, that normal hnh levels were from 12 to 15. Anyone dropping below 6 was at risk of stroke or heart attack. His hemoglobin (oxygen in blood) was 3.7 --- needless to say, we grappled with what was happening and WHY.
Initially, the doctors didn't know the source of the internal bleeding. And we wouldn't discover the how or why for many weeks. In the process of searching for the cause, the doctors ran many tests --- numerous CT scans, several Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, MRIs, labs, etc. Leaving no stone unturned, the team of doctors discovered Don had cancer through an ultrasound. Attempting to stop the bleeding for many weeks and repeated returns to the hospital for transfusions, the GI doctors opted for a strenuous 2 days of surgery. First, they did an appendectomy. Next day, doctors removed a cancer mass. Their efforts were not the solution. He continued to bleed.

At this point, doctors delayed cancer treatment in the pursuit of stopping the internal bleeding. His GI team of doctors determined the need to explore his small intestine. On New Year's day, he underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Surgeons removed 2" of his intestine, including cancer particles. Targeting the bleed was significant to moving forward with his treatment and they successfully found this area to be the source!
While awaiting to recuperate from the surgery to start his cancer treatment, he formed fluid around his lungs. He suffered difficulty breathing and EMS was needed to bring him to the hospital. This was another scary moment for us. When he was brought to the ER and then admitted, Don required several more transfusions and had numerous liters of fluid removed from his lungs. This encounter was very painful for him and difficult as he dealt with the discomfort of extreme swelling while healing from his abdomen procedure.

Then in late January 2018, the treatment team realized matters were more serious and focusing on his cancer was now at the forefront. He never left the hospital after this treatment. His team of doctors sent him straight to another floor for cancer treatment and care. After 30 blood transfusions and 3 surgeries, that’s when they started addressing his cancer condition. The next several months entailed 4 cycles of 5 intensive inpatient days of chemo and 3 outpatient weeks for recovery in between each cycle.
THE COMING DAYS : (updates are now available for the following)
My name is Trish Cardwell from Jonesborough, Tennessee. This cause is for my younger brother, Don Cardwell, and his wife, Jennifer. They are in most need right now of financial assistance for navigating their expenses while seeking follow-up care for Don, without the benefit and assistance of personal health insurance. He currently requires periodic labs and CT scans to monitor his status and ensure his levels are stable.
The following is a "snapshot" of what my brother & his wife endured at the onset in November 2017, bringing about his need for financial aid and help from those willing to partner with them ... if you are unable to assist financially, please keep them in your prayers. Trusting God has them in His grip. Thank you for your support!
Please see updates for the newest info.
And so it began...
Just after Thanksgiving on November 27, 2017, my brother went to the ER under duress. Doctors explained he was suffering from severe anemia, that normal hnh levels were from 12 to 15. Anyone dropping below 6 was at risk of stroke or heart attack. His hemoglobin (oxygen in blood) was 3.7 --- needless to say, we grappled with what was happening and WHY.
Initially, the doctors didn't know the source of the internal bleeding. And we wouldn't discover the how or why for many weeks. In the process of searching for the cause, the doctors ran many tests --- numerous CT scans, several Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, MRIs, labs, etc. Leaving no stone unturned, the team of doctors discovered Don had cancer through an ultrasound. Attempting to stop the bleeding for many weeks and repeated returns to the hospital for transfusions, the GI doctors opted for a strenuous 2 days of surgery. First, they did an appendectomy. Next day, doctors removed a cancer mass. Their efforts were not the solution. He continued to bleed.

At this point, doctors delayed cancer treatment in the pursuit of stopping the internal bleeding. His GI team of doctors determined the need to explore his small intestine. On New Year's day, he underwent an exploratory laparotomy. Surgeons removed 2" of his intestine, including cancer particles. Targeting the bleed was significant to moving forward with his treatment and they successfully found this area to be the source!
While awaiting to recuperate from the surgery to start his cancer treatment, he formed fluid around his lungs. He suffered difficulty breathing and EMS was needed to bring him to the hospital. This was another scary moment for us. When he was brought to the ER and then admitted, Don required several more transfusions and had numerous liters of fluid removed from his lungs. This encounter was very painful for him and difficult as he dealt with the discomfort of extreme swelling while healing from his abdomen procedure.

Then in late January 2018, the treatment team realized matters were more serious and focusing on his cancer was now at the forefront. He never left the hospital after this treatment. His team of doctors sent him straight to another floor for cancer treatment and care. After 30 blood transfusions and 3 surgeries, that’s when they started addressing his cancer condition. The next several months entailed 4 cycles of 5 intensive inpatient days of chemo and 3 outpatient weeks for recovery in between each cycle.
THE COMING DAYS : (updates are now available for the following)
Don's circumstance baffled the doctors from Day #1. He's been such an anomaly and the ordeal so extraordinary that he was asked to contribute his medical info to a journal. Then, Don and Jennifer began venturing to Nashville (5+ hours away) for the next stage of treatment. His local oncologist recommended he pursue a 2nd opinion and further treatment at Vanderbilt. After his 1st consult on May 1st 2018, Don underwent 2 more cycles of chemo drugs. This regiment was outpatient, yet the drugs were stronger. He then made a 2nd consult trip to only find out he would have to return for an undetermined amount of time for stem cell transplant and extreme chemo treatments. Estimated medical care is 30 to 45 days. They began considering their treatment options and best course of action.
With all they were facing, Don's health insurance then began threatening to end coverage; he was also denied all disability aid. He is currently working with attorneys on both matters while fighting with his health. The financial hardship they've endured has hit home in many ways; Jennifer's struggled to maintain full time employment while being by Don's side. She used up her FMLA available, exhausted all vacation and is now faced with part time work. The greatest difficulty is she was/is the main source of income from the onset of his sickness.

As they are now preparing for the next chapter in the journey, Don and his sweet wife, Jennifer, have set their sites on pursuing wellness and winning the fight to hear the words "remission" from their ever expanding treatment team. His fight is not over ... many months are still needed for recovery to be reality.
Even in his moment of need, my brother would never personally ask for help. Don is a loving husband, brother, uncle and amazing friend. He has made countless sacrifices and donated his talents, time and energy for others without question. He's helped so many family, friends, neighbors and even strangers who have been through hardship... as it's said, he'd "give you the shirt off his back".
Any financial support is greatly appreciated in helping my beloved brother and his dear wife. Most importantly, your faith-filled prayers and positive support for healing and recovery are desired. We are standing on God's Word that when 'we call things that are not as though they are' the power of His healing will be manifest. For this chapter in their journey, we're drawing strength from Hebrews 11:1 -- "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see". There is power in positive thinking and prayer works. Please join us in expectantly anticipating a healthy victory with this fight!
The beneficiary for this campaign will be a family member . Funds will only be withdrawn for living costs and looming bills, as well as to pay for ever-increasing medical payments as he endures further treatment.
Although he is showing great signs of improvement, he still has a very long road ahead. It truly takes a community to pull together for the best chance of success with most any adversity. Your acts of kindness and loving support as you come alongside my family are truly priceless! Thank you in advance for your love, much-needed prayer & financial support. Every prayer, $ & share matters!
Keep spreading the word! Let's Rally for Don's Recovery!! #TeamDon
Best,
T-
p.s. Be sure to check out all updates to stay informed & especially learn of causes to celebrate!
With all they were facing, Don's health insurance then began threatening to end coverage; he was also denied all disability aid. He is currently working with attorneys on both matters while fighting with his health. The financial hardship they've endured has hit home in many ways; Jennifer's struggled to maintain full time employment while being by Don's side. She used up her FMLA available, exhausted all vacation and is now faced with part time work. The greatest difficulty is she was/is the main source of income from the onset of his sickness.

As they are now preparing for the next chapter in the journey, Don and his sweet wife, Jennifer, have set their sites on pursuing wellness and winning the fight to hear the words "remission" from their ever expanding treatment team. His fight is not over ... many months are still needed for recovery to be reality.
Even in his moment of need, my brother would never personally ask for help. Don is a loving husband, brother, uncle and amazing friend. He has made countless sacrifices and donated his talents, time and energy for others without question. He's helped so many family, friends, neighbors and even strangers who have been through hardship... as it's said, he'd "give you the shirt off his back".
Any financial support is greatly appreciated in helping my beloved brother and his dear wife. Most importantly, your faith-filled prayers and positive support for healing and recovery are desired. We are standing on God's Word that when 'we call things that are not as though they are' the power of His healing will be manifest. For this chapter in their journey, we're drawing strength from Hebrews 11:1 -- "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see". There is power in positive thinking and prayer works. Please join us in expectantly anticipating a healthy victory with this fight!
The beneficiary for this campaign will be a family member . Funds will only be withdrawn for living costs and looming bills, as well as to pay for ever-increasing medical payments as he endures further treatment.
Although he is showing great signs of improvement, he still has a very long road ahead. It truly takes a community to pull together for the best chance of success with most any adversity. Your acts of kindness and loving support as you come alongside my family are truly priceless! Thank you in advance for your love, much-needed prayer & financial support. Every prayer, $ & share matters!
Keep spreading the word! Let's Rally for Don's Recovery!! #TeamDon
Best,
T-
p.s. Be sure to check out all updates to stay informed & especially learn of causes to celebrate!
Organizer
Trish N. Cardwell
Organizer
Jonesborough, TN