Soares' Family Uphill Battle

Holly’s family is not unfamiliar with tough times. Advanced cancer, house fire, carbon monoxide poisoning and long-term care are some of what the Soares family has endured. I write this on behalf of myself and our friends, who love our dear friend Holly and her family who have been facing difficult times for a while now. As of late, their situation has become more dire. We want to come together to help support the Soares family in any way we can.

Eight years ago, her sister, Kelly, was diagnosed with advanced cancer and things were uncertain. Thanks to the amazing doctors at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Kelly was able to maintain some quality of life for several years. This time was not without it challenges, however. A few years ago, Kelly was told the cancer had spread to her brain and she needed to have surgery. After an incredibly difficult surgery, Kelly fought through rehab and came back home. Then, last summer Kelly was having trouble walking and focusing and was told her brain was swelling. Doctors weren’t sure if it was an active tumor or swelling from the scar tissue, but recommended steroids to control the swelling. In September 2019, Kelly had brain surgery to relieve the swelling. While that worked, the steroids had weakened her muscles so badly, she could not complete rehab to return to her pre-surgery state. Kelly remains in a nursing home to this day and will likely remain there. Despite this incredibly difficult road she continues to fight to overcome the odds, including Covid-19, which she beat last month. But the ongoing care is now a constant, and unfortunately the costs are piling up.

Tragedy struck yet again for the family in November 2019 when Holly’s parents’ home was destroyed. The furnace caught fire and it exploded, causing them and their two dogs to suffer carbon monoxide poisoning. After several weeks in the hospital, her parents were released. They made a full recovery as did the dogs. However, with no one able to foster the dogs, they remained at Forever Paws Animal Shelter for several months. Thankfully, Biscuit was adopted, and Poppy made a joyful reunion with the family. We are glad that Holly’s parents have settled into a new apartment, but the unfortunate loss of their real estate has devasted them financially. Their home was a retirement nest egg that can no longer be salvaged and sold for its value prior to the explosion. And with both parents requiring at home medical assistance, this is a considerable ongoing cost with little funds to support them. Holly’s father has Dementia and her mother has Huntington’s Disease, both of which indicate the need for a long-term care situation that will only increase with time.

We are starting this GoFund Me in hopes of raising money to help cover some medical costs and relieve the family as long as possible. In such difficult times the emotional pain alone is overwhelming; we hope to help make the financial burden a little less taxing. All donations are appreciated; no donation is too small. If you feel uncomfortable donating through this platform, feel free to outreach to me via Facebook messenger and we can coordinate another means. Thank you for taking the time to read this story and considering a donation. Positive thoughts for the Soares Family.

Sincerely, 

Kristina & Friends