Support Debbie Pierce and Pat Hutchins

Our dear friend Pat Hutchins was diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer, an extremely aggressive and very rare form, in June 2020 (just a few short months ago). He very quickly had surgery to remove his thyroid and the tumor that had taken hold in his neck and throat, and then started chemotherapy and radiation. But unfortunately his cancer is growing incredibly fast and has proven to be nearly impossible to treat. Within just three weeks of starting chemo Pat ended up in the hospital with pneumonia and a collapsed lung due to this rapid growth, and he had to discontinue treatment. It is very difficult to share that at this time Pat is already in hospice care at home and the outlook is not positive. It is Pat's hope to be able to hang on and hug his beloved Debbie Ann on their 10th wedding anniversary on Sept. 25th.

Even with health insurance, Debbie and Pat are faced with enormous out-of-pocket medical bills. This is compounded by the fact that they have been a single income family since November of last year, when Pat was laid off just before the holidays and Covid. In addition to medical and hospice bills, Debbie will also be faced with memorial and other expenses, all during these very scary and unstable economic times.

Pat and Debbie are both the most generous and loving humans and friends. They are the heart and soul of their friend and family group. If you are lucky enough to know them, you know what a perfect match they are. Their love has been a beautiful thing to see and share in since they first found each other almost 20 years ago in an unexpected and truly “meant to be” moment.

Pat has always embraced Debbie’s son, Daniel, as his own. When Daniel married Cami last September, Pat was beyond honored that they asked him to perform their wedding ceremony, and he has been thrilled at the addition of Cami as a daughter to their family. The strength of Pat and Dan's relationship is also a true measure of the man Pat is and the depth of the love that exists in this family. 

So many have asked what they can do to help this much loved couple. This was so unexpected, and has happened so quickly, that there really is just one way that we can all help them. It will be a double tragedy if Debbie both loses her darling Pat and ends up saddled with huge medical debt. If you would like to help these two wonderful people (and dear friends), please contribute if you can so that Debbie is able to financially keep things afloat while trying to cope with this devastating situation.

Debbie and Pat say thank you from the bottom of their hearts for the outpouring of love and support they have already received. It means the world. They are sad that the combination of Covid and the rapid pace at which this horrible story has unfolded make it impossible to see more of those they love in person.

Thank you tremendously for your support.