Embrace Life

Back in 2017! Len was told to get on the waiting list for a Lung transplant. This is too young to be told he needs this! Not even having hit his 55 th birthday yet. He quit smoking in November 27, 2017. This wasn’t an easy thing to do, but he stopped! He joined a “Quit smoking” class and once he quit,we continued going back and he encouraged others to quit. Yes, I was supportive throughout! The class recommended annual Lung cancer screenings. He complied. We were really careful when Covid hit, to this day he is still wearing a mask everywhere we go, and carry hand sanitizer with us. The beginning of 2022, he was sick, was tested for Covid that came back negative. Something didn’t feel right. Was prescribed a round of antibiotics, felt good for a ittle bit, then Starting feel like crap again. His Dr sent him for a chest X-ray, then a CT scan. On April 20, 2022- he was told he has lung cancer- Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma - Malignant Spindle/ Epithelioid neoplasm with pleomorphic hyper chromatic nuclei (a rare form of a very strong cancer). He is now battling this beast! I am with him, and by his side. He is stubborn & a fighter! Two weeks ago, he ended up in the ER, he thought he was gonna need his appendix taken out, in so much pain! Several X-rays /CT scan- there was a blockage in his small intestine-Dr wanted to do laparoscopic procedure- ended up taking about 18” of cancerous (now metastasizing to his small intestine).His chemotherapy has now been put on hold due to needing time for recovery from the surgery. Radiation treatments have begun this past week.

Back in the day..He had a family to take care of -3 children and wife. Len is an amazing husband and father to his one birth son, Thorin, and two other daughters from previous marriage;then walking into my life and takin my three children under his wing and caring for them as if they were his own. This is how his parents raised him.

He worked in the construction field, and shot professional fireworks with Zambelli international and American Pyrotechnics for over 17 years. He would travel throughout the states and put on colorful Firework displays.

As his Mother’s health started to decline , He stepped up and took care of her, he decided to moved back in with his parents -as the both needed him. They both needed around the clock care-he put his job on hold and became a full time caregiver for them both. Once his mother passed away, he wanted to make sure his father was ok to take care of himself. Time went by (3 years)and then Len realized , it’s time to leave the nest, as other siblings moved into his father’s home and took over as caregiver.

Len and I started dating in 2014, (long distance relationship at that)we talked for hours on the phone, months went by, We were compatible, had so many things in common. He was 2,500 miles away from me. He had a lot going on! Caring for his parents. And I was willing to wait.

The last 18 years, Len’s own health started to deteriorate-In and out of the hospital with pneumonia. He was diagnosed with COPD & severe emphysema. He applied for SS disability, but was turned down, due to not having enough work credits. That’s unfortunate, the society we live in..he gave up working to care for his parents, then was denied benefits for himself. His longtime friend Scott-who was living in Virginia -offered Len to come live with him and

Nurtured him back to good health, welcomed into his home. These two have been friends over 48 years. Scott and his wife Jill helped him get back on his feet. Thank goodness for good ole’ friends!! Len was now ready to be with me (2017). I welcomed him with opened arms! He never thought he would like Florida, it’s all flat here, there’s no elevation! But honey, We got the beach nearby! We enjoy drinking good craft beer and checking out new breweries. One thing he always wanted to do was learn to brew beer. We found a local brew club- Treasure Coast Brewmasters, and joined, and now Len is a successful brewer. Unfortunately, now that hobby has been put on hold as he doesn’t have the strength, nor stamina to do a 4 hour brew day. He also enjoys playing disc golf, can’t do that either now. Easy going guy, doesn’t ask for much! He loves to read, our bedroom walls all lined with books. Since that doesn’t take much energy, he usually has his nose in a book! He did tell me years ago, he was easy, but not cheap. I shrugged my shoulders..didn’t really understand at that time, but I get it now, and I have to agree. But I would’t have it any other way!

We appreciate any amount you can give-All donations will go towards traveling to and from doctor appointments for radiation and chemotherapy treatments, oxygen supplies-anything that insurance has not covered and as June our current amount we owe is $12,000.

He has applied fo SS disability again.. and so we will wait..