Hello everyone,

My name is Kelly Connell. I am a friend and colleague of Kurt Menk, one of our dedicated Credentialing Coordinators at Advocate Health. I am reaching out to share his story with you. Many of you have had the pleasure of working with Kurt over the years, and now he and his family need our support.

Kurt's younger daughter, Ophelia, who is just 22 months old, has been diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, a type of pediatric eye cancer. She is currently undergoing treatment at Children's Hospital of WI and has completed the first two cycles of systemic chemotherapy. While Ophelia's prognosis is decently positive, with the cancer confined to one eye and no signs of spreading, the journey ahead involves regular MRIs, Exams under Anesthesia, and ongoing chemotherapy for at least the next six months.

The medical expenses for Ophelia's treatment are likely to be covered, but the family faces numerous other challenges and expenses. Kurt and his spouse are balancing hospital visits, treatments, and caring for their older daughter, all while trying to maintain their work commitments. The financial strain includes costs for gas, reduced income due to time off for treatments, easy meal options to avoid cooking after long hospital days, and activities to keep their children's lives as normal as possible.

We are setting up this GoFundMe page to support Kurt and his family during this difficult time. Your contributions will help them with everyday expenses, provide meals, cover childcare for their older daughter, and allow them to enjoy some family activities to relieve the mental strain of this journey.

Your support means the world to Kurt and his family. Thank you for your generosity and kindness.

Warm regards,

Kelly Connell