Support for Anmarie Lietaert's Cancer Treatment

Life is so unfair sometimes... 

 

You probably know that Anmarie has been clean and sober for over six years after about 30 years of drinking and smoking and... 

 

What you probably don't know is that she adopted these vices as a means of surviving, adapting and coping to some extreme obstacles as a child and teen. It would be inappropriate for me, her big brother, to tell her story. But as someone who has been witness to her struggles for decades I can tell you that her recovery is nothing less than remarkable--the courage, the tenacity, the love and discipline that it's taken her has been nothing short of miraculous. 

 

So now she's got cancer of the throat--likely caused by the things that literally kept her alive for so many years! It's as if she's being re-traumatized all over again for the sin of having survived such trauma's... 

 

In the last 6 years Anmarie has worked to pay off her debts, become a productive tax paying citizen, rents her own apartment and even recently paid off her car! We (her family) have been blown away and proud of her--but most importantly, have been profoundly grateful to have our sister/daughter/niece/cousin/friend back. 

 

Before the recent diagnosis Anmarie was wanting to move to a different apartment, particularly one easier for her to access and carry laundry, etc. She had expressed a desire to get a higher sitting car to get in and out of more easily (she has done most of the running of our parents to Dr's appointments and errands the past many years and getting in and out of a low sitting sedan has been an ongoing difficulty).  This is going to become more imperative as she’s undergoing radiation and kemo. 

 

More importantly, she's going to need lots of help as she undergoes her cancer treatments. Help with food, laundry, cleaning. Help with errands and taxi's to Dr.'s appointments. There are numerous alternative medicine treatments that will support her body boost it's immune system (nutritious foods, multivitamins, etc) and I'm sure lots of other expenses we have yet to consider. Already she is unable to work as a result of her condition (unable to perform the tasks she was hired for—talking on the phone). She's going to need specially prepared meals, including being fed via a tube. He body is going to be bombarded with radiation and kemo--much detoxing will be needed. 

 

She doesn't deserve to be going thru this. I believe she does deserve all of the love and support she can get to continue making this world a little better place to be in. 

 

Anmarie is a fighter. She's spent her life being a watchdog and a bit of a bulldog in trying to help others. If there's anyone stubborn enough to beat this cancer it's my sometimes pain-in-my-butt, bull headed, loving, generous, tender, wise baby sister...who I love beyond words. 

 

Would you help us help Awee? 

 

Thank you from me (her big brother, Tom) and everyone who loves her! 

 

(BTW--Dan and I will be helping her to manage funds and volunteers, probably with additional support from my wife Beth and a couple of Awee's friends)(BTW--I couldn't pronounce Anmarie as a toddler...so...Awee...) 

 

If you're further called to help her please reach out to Tom or Dan if you're available to help with anything like rides to doctors, laundry, shopping, housekeeping, overnights, etc. We will be coordinating for her to minimize the burden as she prepares to undergo this extremely difficult ordeal.  Sharing this on your social media pages (people who don't even know Anmarie are donating to help!) and words of loving encouragement are also very important!

UPDATE:  I’ve found a used Vitamix in Craigslist and am going to drive out to trade vehicles with her so anyone taking her to an appointment has a small SUV to take her in.  I think we’ve found a ground level apartment that will serve her well--in a clean safe neighborhood close to Dan and closer to Toledo Hospital where she’ll receive some of her treatments.  We're going to find a care-page where folks can volunteer time to help her as she goes thru the treatment & healing (laundry, shopping, etc).