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I hope that you'll read Cle’s story, donate if you can and please share this story. The Allen family is too humble to ask for help so as one of their close friends I am organizing this for them. All donations will go straight to Cle’s care and to assist them with medical as well as every day expenses until Kathy and Cle are able to get back to work.
Let me tell you about Mr. Cleo Allen… He is an adored husband, father, son, brother, uncle, loyal friend and devoted family man. He spent 4 years in the military defending our country and now he is facing another fierce battle; this time for his life against cancer. Cle has been a dedicated driver for Berkeley Farms for the last 25 plus years and a steadfast member of Teamsters Local 853. He enjoys seeing his customers every day and truly loves his job.
In June of 2017 the Allen family was blindsided when Cle was diagnosed with Stage 4 Advanced Epiglottis Cancer. It began with a minor sore throat and turned into quite a devastating ordeal. After 5 rounds of antibiotics with no relief, Cle was sent to an ENT Specialist for treatment. The ENT he was referred to could not get the scope down Cle’s sore throat it was so inflamed, and he was told to go home and take Tylenol. It progressively got worse and he was sent to see another ENT who was able to get the scope in and found something suspicious looking. He was immediately scheduled for a biopsy and the call came that it was in fact dreaded cancer. The family quickly headed to Stanford Medical Center where Cle’s case was presented to the tumor board to discuss his treatment plan.
The plan was a grueling regimen of 39 rounds of radiation and extensive chemo therapy sessions at the Stanford Cancer center. For 4 long months Kathy drove Cle to his treatments from Livermore to the Stanford Campus – 7 days a week. It was a stressful 4 to 5 hour drive every day but Kathy was determined to get Cle the best care they could find. Kathy didn’t hesitate to become Cle’s champion; caregiver, wife, driver, secretary, coordinator, nurse and superwoman all while working full time herself. Every morning they would leave home before 6:00am and return between 6:00pm and 9:00pm, day after day. Kathy could not have done this without the support of her job allowing her to work remotely and she is eternally grateful. Throughout his regimen complications arose and they were able to periodically stay at the Stanford Home apartments which was such a blessing for them. During these punishing treatments side effects such as hardening of the tissues in his throat, lack of taste, painful ulcers and sores in his throat and mouth were constant issues Cle had to face.
Cle successfully completed this treatment and was given the “all clear” sign. They were so relieved and grateful he was in remission! He had been off work for a total of 9 months due to treatments, time needed to gain his weight and strength as well as rebuild his immune system back up. He was finally ready to jump headfirst into his old life he loves.
In April 2018 he returned to work full time driving for Berkeley Farms. He was thrilled to be back in his element, joking with and serving his beloved customers. Once again, Life was good!
5 months later in September 2018 Cle was diagnosed with a tumor on the floor of his mouth, the cancer had returned. This time around the treatment plan consisted of an extensive surgery to resect the tumor which caused some numbness in his mouth and temporarily affected his speech. He was off work again for 4 months this time and eagerly returned in January 2019.
Life was back to normal and the Allen’s continued the rat race they called life. Cle and Kathy were looking forward to their son’s wedding in early May 2019, more fun times with family and friends. Once again life is good!
Devastating news came at the end of May when they were told the cancer has once again returned; this time to his vocal cords. Kathy and Cle held each other tight and vowed together they would fight on!
A few days ago, Cleo underwent another procedure to remove these tumors. It was an extremely difficult 12-hour long surgery and he came through with flying colors. He is resting comfortably now and beginning the healing process. The love of his life Kathy is right there by his side every step of the way supporting him and getting him through this. Please consider helping Cle and Kat in any way you can, no contribution is too small, and every donation is greatly appreciated.
During this challenging time the last thing we want is for them to be worrying about finances. The goal for this Go Fund Me is to allow Kathy time away from work to continue to be his amazing caretaker and for Cle to remain off work while he heals and makes a complete recovery. They are both eternally grateful for your generosity, love and support.
God Bless you all.
Let me tell you about Mr. Cleo Allen… He is an adored husband, father, son, brother, uncle, loyal friend and devoted family man. He spent 4 years in the military defending our country and now he is facing another fierce battle; this time for his life against cancer. Cle has been a dedicated driver for Berkeley Farms for the last 25 plus years and a steadfast member of Teamsters Local 853. He enjoys seeing his customers every day and truly loves his job.
In June of 2017 the Allen family was blindsided when Cle was diagnosed with Stage 4 Advanced Epiglottis Cancer. It began with a minor sore throat and turned into quite a devastating ordeal. After 5 rounds of antibiotics with no relief, Cle was sent to an ENT Specialist for treatment. The ENT he was referred to could not get the scope down Cle’s sore throat it was so inflamed, and he was told to go home and take Tylenol. It progressively got worse and he was sent to see another ENT who was able to get the scope in and found something suspicious looking. He was immediately scheduled for a biopsy and the call came that it was in fact dreaded cancer. The family quickly headed to Stanford Medical Center where Cle’s case was presented to the tumor board to discuss his treatment plan.
The plan was a grueling regimen of 39 rounds of radiation and extensive chemo therapy sessions at the Stanford Cancer center. For 4 long months Kathy drove Cle to his treatments from Livermore to the Stanford Campus – 7 days a week. It was a stressful 4 to 5 hour drive every day but Kathy was determined to get Cle the best care they could find. Kathy didn’t hesitate to become Cle’s champion; caregiver, wife, driver, secretary, coordinator, nurse and superwoman all while working full time herself. Every morning they would leave home before 6:00am and return between 6:00pm and 9:00pm, day after day. Kathy could not have done this without the support of her job allowing her to work remotely and she is eternally grateful. Throughout his regimen complications arose and they were able to periodically stay at the Stanford Home apartments which was such a blessing for them. During these punishing treatments side effects such as hardening of the tissues in his throat, lack of taste, painful ulcers and sores in his throat and mouth were constant issues Cle had to face.
Cle successfully completed this treatment and was given the “all clear” sign. They were so relieved and grateful he was in remission! He had been off work for a total of 9 months due to treatments, time needed to gain his weight and strength as well as rebuild his immune system back up. He was finally ready to jump headfirst into his old life he loves.
In April 2018 he returned to work full time driving for Berkeley Farms. He was thrilled to be back in his element, joking with and serving his beloved customers. Once again, Life was good!
5 months later in September 2018 Cle was diagnosed with a tumor on the floor of his mouth, the cancer had returned. This time around the treatment plan consisted of an extensive surgery to resect the tumor which caused some numbness in his mouth and temporarily affected his speech. He was off work again for 4 months this time and eagerly returned in January 2019.
Life was back to normal and the Allen’s continued the rat race they called life. Cle and Kathy were looking forward to their son’s wedding in early May 2019, more fun times with family and friends. Once again life is good!
Devastating news came at the end of May when they were told the cancer has once again returned; this time to his vocal cords. Kathy and Cle held each other tight and vowed together they would fight on!
A few days ago, Cleo underwent another procedure to remove these tumors. It was an extremely difficult 12-hour long surgery and he came through with flying colors. He is resting comfortably now and beginning the healing process. The love of his life Kathy is right there by his side every step of the way supporting him and getting him through this. Please consider helping Cle and Kat in any way you can, no contribution is too small, and every donation is greatly appreciated.
During this challenging time the last thing we want is for them to be worrying about finances. The goal for this Go Fund Me is to allow Kathy time away from work to continue to be his amazing caretaker and for Cle to remain off work while he heals and makes a complete recovery. They are both eternally grateful for your generosity, love and support.
God Bless you all.
Organizer and beneficiary
Kathy Bouzek-Allen
Beneficiary