Vital Support for Ellen and Scott
Donation protected
This is the story of a very special pair of people -- Ellen and Scott Black -- who have touched the lives of countless others, and who need our help. A couple whose love and commitment brightens your world, even from afar, even as they face Scott's overwhelming health challenges and the resulting dire financial circumstances.
Married almost 40 years, Ellen (my cousin) and Scott knew they were meant to be together for the rest of their lives the moment they met. And they have never doubted that for one second in all the years since. (Seriously. People say stuff like this all the time, but with them, it's one in a million.)
Scott's fight began with Small Cell Lung Cancer in 1989 -- only 6%, including Scott, survive that diagnosis. Scott beat cancer, but in the following years there were strokes, a benign tumor on his adrenal gland, intense pain, uncharacteristic behavior, difficulty walking, serious dental and vision issues and memory issues … and many visits to various specialists.
Scott’s health became progressively worse. In 2014, he was diagnosed with Chronic Systemic Sarcoidosis and probable Neurosarcoidosis (which involves the brain and entire central nervous system). He was no longer able to work, and Ellen has since been his full-time caregiver.
Ellen also has been on a near-constant search for explanations for the numerous health anomalies that Scott experienced. The diagnoses continued to mount: Small Fiber Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, various blood deficiencies, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid and Sarcoid arthritis, and a precondition to Multiple Myeloma.
Scott’s memory has continued to decline (forgetting Ellen’s name at one point), with more severe behavior changes, occasional inability to speak or even lift his arms. A recent diagnosis revealed a high likelihood of both Frontaltemperal Dementia (which often develops into ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease) and Posterior Cortical Atrophy (a rare form of Alzheimer's).
Ellen and Scott have listed their home for sale , and it's still on the market after ten months. They've sold the majority of their possessions, and their financial situation has become desperate. After trying to make it on their own, any way they can, they finally recognize that a whole lot of people love them and want to help -- and as difficult as it is for them to do it, they are finally cying “Uncle” and are willing to accept help … any help.
If you're reading this, chances are that Scott and Ellen have touched you in some meaningful way. You have a chance to return to them some of the light that they've no doubt shone your way.
Their priority -- always -- is to stay together. They have faced death many times over the years, but they are not ready to face the very real possibility of having to live apart. Any support would go a long way toward helping Ellen and Scott keep things together, and to stay together as they continue to confront Scott's health challenges.
Thank you.
Married almost 40 years, Ellen (my cousin) and Scott knew they were meant to be together for the rest of their lives the moment they met. And they have never doubted that for one second in all the years since. (Seriously. People say stuff like this all the time, but with them, it's one in a million.)
Scott's fight began with Small Cell Lung Cancer in 1989 -- only 6%, including Scott, survive that diagnosis. Scott beat cancer, but in the following years there were strokes, a benign tumor on his adrenal gland, intense pain, uncharacteristic behavior, difficulty walking, serious dental and vision issues and memory issues … and many visits to various specialists.
Scott’s health became progressively worse. In 2014, he was diagnosed with Chronic Systemic Sarcoidosis and probable Neurosarcoidosis (which involves the brain and entire central nervous system). He was no longer able to work, and Ellen has since been his full-time caregiver.
Ellen also has been on a near-constant search for explanations for the numerous health anomalies that Scott experienced. The diagnoses continued to mount: Small Fiber Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia, various blood deficiencies, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid and Sarcoid arthritis, and a precondition to Multiple Myeloma.
Scott’s memory has continued to decline (forgetting Ellen’s name at one point), with more severe behavior changes, occasional inability to speak or even lift his arms. A recent diagnosis revealed a high likelihood of both Frontaltemperal Dementia (which often develops into ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease) and Posterior Cortical Atrophy (a rare form of Alzheimer's).
Ellen and Scott have listed their home for sale , and it's still on the market after ten months. They've sold the majority of their possessions, and their financial situation has become desperate. After trying to make it on their own, any way they can, they finally recognize that a whole lot of people love them and want to help -- and as difficult as it is for them to do it, they are finally cying “Uncle” and are willing to accept help … any help.
If you're reading this, chances are that Scott and Ellen have touched you in some meaningful way. You have a chance to return to them some of the light that they've no doubt shone your way.
Their priority -- always -- is to stay together. They have faced death many times over the years, but they are not ready to face the very real possibility of having to live apart. Any support would go a long way toward helping Ellen and Scott keep things together, and to stay together as they continue to confront Scott's health challenges.
Thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Jason Kropp
Organizer
Wellesley, MA
Ellen Black
Beneficiary