Stand with Evie and Robert Against Squamous Cell Carcinoma
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Dear Friends and Compassionate Souls,
My name is Tiffany Clark. My cousins and I are organizing this fundraiser to support our beloved Aunt Sam (Evie Wright) and her brother and caregiver, our Uncle Peck (Robert Wright).
Both are bravely battling squamous cell carcinoma and facing significant financial and medical challenges.
Aunt Sam has been battling her cancer for years, and her throat was removed last year because of her cancer.
They have been reluctant to ask for financial help.
Aunt Sam and Uncle Peck live in a small rental house in Booneville, Arkansas, a small town located 37 miles from Fort Smith and 130 miles from Little Rock. They have most of their doctor appointments in Fort Smith and Little Rock.
In addition to his own health struggles, Uncle Peck is also Aunt Sam's caregiver. She is missing one leg and is wheelchair-bound.
Aunt Sam's Critical Condition
Aunt Sam was hospitalized on June 21 due to serious complications:
- An infection in her feeding tube was discovered during a routine PICC line bandage change.
- Another infection has spread to her blood (sepsis) and stool.
- Leakage from her feeding tube has caused food and fluid to enter her lungs.
- She needs a specialized procedure in Little Rock, Arkansas, for more throat reconstruction caused by cancer in her neck and throat. We expect her to be transported sometime in the last week of June.
Uncle Peck's Ongoing Cancer Battle
Uncle Peck found out in mid-June that the squamous cell carcinoma he defeated a few years ago has returned in his throat. He is awaiting further treatment options.
Despite his own health challenges, Uncle Peck remains at Aunt Sam's side, continuing to care for her and be with her during her hospitalization.
Financial Challenges
Aunt Sam and Uncle Peck's financial situation is extremely challenging. The jobs they had during their working years didn't provide any sort of pension or retirement options. And they never made enough money to establish savings.
Some of the challenges Aunt Sam and Uncle Peck are facing right now:
- Comfortable and safe transportation costs for medical appointments: They do not have a car and rely on a friend for transportation to medical appointments. Because of the distances they have to travel, they pay their friend who transports them to and from doctor appointments $40 per trip. We may need to help their friend with expenses such as replacing tires on her car.
- Communication costs: They share one cell phone with a limited month-to-month data plan for essential communication. This works OK for them most of the time, but Aunt Sam is nonverbal because her throat has been removed due to her cancer. Her only way of communicating with supportive family members is through text or Messenger.
- Medication and medical supplies: They cannot always afford Aunt Sam's medications and medical supplies.
- End-of-life planning: Neither has life insurance, so the concerns around end-of-life arrangements are overwhelming. We would like to establish a pre-need plan for final wishes for Aunt Sam to treat her life and memory with dignity.
- Living expenses: They live on disability with a small amount of money from food stamps. If Aunt Sam's disability is lost, Uncle Peck will need these funds to adjust financially to a new reality.
- Hospital costs for Uncle Peck: Aunt Sam is nonverbal because of her throat cancer, so Uncle Peck needs to be with her to help her communicate with medical personnel. It's expensive to sit with someone at a hospital because of the price of hospital cafeteria meals and parking fees for their driver. We would like to make sure Uncle Peck has the money he needs to be at the hospital to continue supporting Aunt Sam.
How You Can Help
Your generosity makes a difference.
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to providing Aunt Sam and Uncle Peck with the care and comfort they need.
Your kindness and generosity will have a lasting impact on their lives during this incredibly difficult time.
Donations will be specifically used for any or all of these:
- Medication costs not covered by insurance
- Countertop ice maker
- Meal service/food prep, groceries, nutrient-rich pre-made meals, and Ensure Plus for Aunt Sam's feeding tube
- Bottled water (they currently boil their water)
- Transportation assistance to doctor's appointments
- Basic hygiene and personal care products
- Household necessities, including laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, and basic items to maintain a clean and safe living environment
- Additional medical supplies and equipment needed for in-home care, including bandages, dressings, medical gloves, and specialized equipment
- Home health care as needed
- Rent costs and utility bills, if needed
- Related transportation costs, including new tires, A/C repair, and rear window replacement for the van their friend uses to transport them to doctor appointments (if we raise enough money)
I will personally use these funds to purchase essential items they need and pay for needed services. This ensures that every dollar of these contributions goes directly toward their care and well-being.
These services and items are imperative to ensure Aunt Sam and Uncle Peck maintain their health and autonomy during this critical time.
Your kindness and support mean the world to them and all of us who love them dearly. Thank you for joining us in this fight to support our Aunt Sam and Uncle Peck during this challenging time of their lives.
With sincere gratitude,
Tiffany Clark and Family
Organizer
Tiffany Clark
Organizer
Terrell, TX