Sams kidney surgery

Asking for help of any kind is so often a difficult task and for many, receiving is no less difficult.  That is certainly the case in this situation, so we, as close friends that love this family, have organized this “Go Fund Me” account on their behalf.  We are calling on the “village” for help as the family has recently been hit with some difficult and unexpected news.

Sam is the twenty-year-old son of Larry and Kim Winston.  To know Sam is to know of his gentle, kind spirit.  Truthfully, Sam has gone through more things medically from a young age than many will ever have to face in their lifetime.  Most recently, Sam was given a diagnosis of an incredibly rare, malignant cancer growing on one of his kidneys.  This cancer is a vague one with not a lot of printed information on it, but it is a cancer that must be removed as soon as possible.  The paper process has already begun towards this happening.

Sam and his parents are looking at having to travel to San Diego for his operation, where he is expected to be in the hospital at least four days.  Following that time, he will be required to remain in San Diego for follow up observation and treatment.  At a minimum, the stay for Sam and his folks will be three weeks.  Although his parents have insurance, they are learning that the 20% portion of the medical costs that will be their responsibility, are going to add up quickly.  We were shocked to hear that the required imaging and biopsy that Sam recently had, not only left them with the cancer diagnosis, but a bill for them of $2400.  Kim will be going with Sam to San Diego and remaining there with him.  Larry will be with them for at least the first few weeks before having to return home to Sacramento for work.

Beyond the hospital stay and the surgery, are numerous varied tests, MRIs, and exams that will need to be done, as well as ongoing lab work.  The family is going to need lodging, food, gasoline, and possibly even airline tickets.  Currently, the after treatment of possible Chemo and/or Radiation are unknown as are those costs.  A follow up visit(s) to San Diego will be necessary as he is being monitored by his surgeon.   Obviously, we are praying for a total and complete eradication of this cancer in Sam’s body.

We are grateful that you have taken the time to read what the Winston family is currently facing.  Life is fragile and anything can happen to any of us, without warning, as is Sam’s case.
The family would covet your prayers and be ever grateful as you support them with your love and concern in the weeks ahead.  As close friends, we recognize this as being a necessary time to call on the “village” to pray and consider how you might be able to help this most heartfelt “Go Fund Me” request.  We know that our own personal lives are always blessed when we help one another.  On behalf of Sam, we say “thank you” ahead of time.  Through the unknown and unexpected ahead, the family is trusting in God to see them through.