Sladek Strong
Donation protected
Has your five year old daughter ever said to you as you are tucking her into bed, “I love you, Mama. Please don’t die..."?
Has your five year old son ever asked if you caught cancer from Dada because he has little to no memories of a time when his Daddy was not battling for his life?
Me neither. But these are the very real, unimaginable thoughts and daily conversations happening between my sister, her husband and their five year old twins RIGHT NOW.
My brother-in-law, Brian, has been fighting cancer and all of its cruel side effects on and off for the last twenty years, and most recently unbelievable 3rd and 4th diagnoses since 2016.
From my earliest memories, I’ve looked up to my sister, Kate, and idolized her for all that she is. Kate is the most wonderful, caring, selfless person I know. She’s the Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend that we all wish we had in our lives, and I’m so lucky to call her my sister. She has kept us all grounded and focused in the worst of times, when we were supposed to be the strong ones. WE were supposed to support her and Brian through his treatments, recovery, and re-diagnoses, but Kate has always been the strong one for us.
Unimaginably, 6 weeks ago Kate was diagnosed with breast cancer and this week begins her own grueling treatment. This latest nightmare comes in the midst of Brian's continued four month plus long hospital stay where he has literally clung to life through pneumonia, sepsis, kidney failure, strokes and emergency open heart surgery. He continues to battle and overcome insurmountable obstacles every single day.
As you can imagine, none of us know what to say or what to do. There are no magic words to make Brian and Kate, and their two beautiful children, Avery and Vivienne, feel better about what is happening in their lives right now.
Each of us try.
Our parents and Brian's parents are spread thin, involved in their everyday life. Their community and coworkers help where they're able. We send prayers and positive thoughts their way constantly, and they appreciate every single thing that is done for them, more than I can express.
But right now, they need much more. We need to collectively band together to alleviate the mounting stress and worry they are shouldering the best they possibly can. We need to help lessen the unimaginable burden that comes with the cost of two parents BOTH fighting cancer.
This Go Fund Me is not something my family ever thought we would do or need. We could never comprehend a day where Kate was not just the amazing advocate and incredible support by Brian’s side. Brian continues to fight every single day. Now, they are both fighting together, for each other and for their children. This additional cancer diagnosis, surgeries for both of them, lengthy hospital stays, and numerous medications...they just keep coming.
Not to mention the cost of everyday life and raising two five year-olds.
If you are able to support my sister, her husband and their family with a contribution, PLEASE know how much it will help them in their ongoing battles. And please continue to share their story and keep the prayers and love coming their way.
They need it.
Has your five year old son ever asked if you caught cancer from Dada because he has little to no memories of a time when his Daddy was not battling for his life?
Me neither. But these are the very real, unimaginable thoughts and daily conversations happening between my sister, her husband and their five year old twins RIGHT NOW.
My brother-in-law, Brian, has been fighting cancer and all of its cruel side effects on and off for the last twenty years, and most recently unbelievable 3rd and 4th diagnoses since 2016.
From my earliest memories, I’ve looked up to my sister, Kate, and idolized her for all that she is. Kate is the most wonderful, caring, selfless person I know. She’s the Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend that we all wish we had in our lives, and I’m so lucky to call her my sister. She has kept us all grounded and focused in the worst of times, when we were supposed to be the strong ones. WE were supposed to support her and Brian through his treatments, recovery, and re-diagnoses, but Kate has always been the strong one for us.
Unimaginably, 6 weeks ago Kate was diagnosed with breast cancer and this week begins her own grueling treatment. This latest nightmare comes in the midst of Brian's continued four month plus long hospital stay where he has literally clung to life through pneumonia, sepsis, kidney failure, strokes and emergency open heart surgery. He continues to battle and overcome insurmountable obstacles every single day.
As you can imagine, none of us know what to say or what to do. There are no magic words to make Brian and Kate, and their two beautiful children, Avery and Vivienne, feel better about what is happening in their lives right now.
Each of us try.
Our parents and Brian's parents are spread thin, involved in their everyday life. Their community and coworkers help where they're able. We send prayers and positive thoughts their way constantly, and they appreciate every single thing that is done for them, more than I can express.
But right now, they need much more. We need to collectively band together to alleviate the mounting stress and worry they are shouldering the best they possibly can. We need to help lessen the unimaginable burden that comes with the cost of two parents BOTH fighting cancer.
This Go Fund Me is not something my family ever thought we would do or need. We could never comprehend a day where Kate was not just the amazing advocate and incredible support by Brian’s side. Brian continues to fight every single day. Now, they are both fighting together, for each other and for their children. This additional cancer diagnosis, surgeries for both of them, lengthy hospital stays, and numerous medications...they just keep coming.
Not to mention the cost of everyday life and raising two five year-olds.
If you are able to support my sister, her husband and their family with a contribution, PLEASE know how much it will help them in their ongoing battles. And please continue to share their story and keep the prayers and love coming their way.
They need it.
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily Kelly
Organizer
Chesterton, IN
Kathryn Sladek
Beneficiary
