spare a coffee save a life

Natasha Ward is organising this fundraising appeal on behalf of Cynthia Grant.

Donation protected

“For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, plans for good and not disaster, to give you a Hope and a Future”

It’s the summer nights spent around the fire, the round of golf with your brother, driving to church with your wife on Sundays, or sitting with your dog by the sea. So many days and weeks and years thinking that we have so many more days and weeks, and years.

In May of this year, My step father Dave Lambert took my mom Cindy Grant to lunch. He noticed some chips sticking in his throat, and after a couple weeks of irritation, he decided to go to the doctor.

Upon obtaining a routine x-ray, his Dr. relayed that there appeared to be a “worrisome structure,” in his throat. On June 26th, after undergoing additional testing our family received the devastating news that Dr’s had discovered a tumor more than four inches long; stretching from the top of Dave’s stomach all the way through to his throat revealing STAGE III ESOPHAGEAL CANCER.

In the last month since treatment began, Dave has completed 4 chemo infusions, 20 radiation treatments, and will soon undergo a major surgery to remove the tumor. All the while still working full time as a realtor, loving husband, and chauffeur to my mother, who herself is battling the debilitating effects of Neuropathy; which has stripped her of being able to drive herself anywhere other than work due to severe numbness and tingling in her limbs.

Dave's passion for making the American dream of homeownership a reality for as many families as he can is what pushes him to drive countless miles to and fro every day for a career he loves. Unfortunately, one of the risks of being self-employed is facing the impossible task of choosing between astronomical monthly premiums or mortgage payments and expenses of daily living, DAVE DOES NOT HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE. Thus, like so many families, we are fighting this battle with cancer on our own.

That is unless.... you and your coffee sized gift would like to help us :-)

At this very moment, Dave receives most of his nourishment through a feeding tube implanted in his stomach. Between the cost of treatment, running a business, mowing the lawn or trying to spend time with family, cancer changes your life. Who would have guessed that the inability to enjoy something as simple as a morning cup of coffee would come to mean so much.

We know that it can feel impossible when deciding who or what or how to donate your finances. It’s something so personal and at times daunting, that we often become deterred from giving anything at all. Which is why our fight against cancer is called:

’Spare a Coffee Save a Life’

If you're anything like Dave and I you relish a good cup of coffee to get you going in the morning. For me, whether it’s sitting in my favorite chair in the window, or the warmth of that first sip from a little white cup at the cafe, it’s a moment of contentment and joy. Whatever your indulgence, whether its coffee, or tea, or maybe nothing at all, we want you to know that every little bit really does help. Even if all you can spare is the $3 or $5 you would ordinarily reserve for your morning cup of coffee. We need you, and that is enough.

Simply start by asking yourself, “Can I spare a donation that is the equivalent of my morning Cappuccino, or Tea, or smoothie, or whatever?!” Whatever that simple little daily or weekly ritual of indulgence is that brings you joy, it’s the perfect place to start. And we’re asking that you consider sharing that moment with us in the form of a donation. In hopes that the next time you get to experience life's simple pleasures, you would think of us. Knowing that you and your little coffee sized donation saved a life.

The cost of Dave’s treatment seems impossible. With more procedures in September, surgery in October, and an extended hospital-stay through November, the obligations are great. If you’re able to give above and beyond matching the amount of a cup of coffee we absolutely and humbly accept your support. All donations big and small will go directly towards Dave’s medical expenses while on this journey. With your gift of compassion, Dave’s chances get stronger everyday.

We know that it takes a village. And if nothing else, we would love to hear from you! Whether its a quote, a poem, a prayer, and especially something funny, every little bit helps.

The only moment we know for certain is this very moment.. right here right now.. Nobody knows what will happen 10 years, 10 minutes or even 10 seconds from now. So we thank you that in this moment, wherein you could have been doing a million other things, you chose to spend it here with us.. reading our story.. Dave’s story.

*From Dave Lambert*
It is so hard to ask others for help and support, and I do so with a tremendous amount of humility, gratefulness and respect. Please accept my thanks in advance, for your prayers and donations on my healing journey. I am committed to winning this battle through faith, humor and a positive outlook for the future! Gods plan is always greater, and I am hopeful that my journey will not be the end but the beginning of 'Spare a Coffee Save a Life'. And that winning this battle against cancer will be the first of many testimonies to come!

(Post Chemo/Radiation)