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Still Fighting: Supporting Kay’s Courageous Pancreatic Cancer Journey & Hip Recovery
Hello everyone, we are Amy and Andrew. We’re reaching out on behalf of our amazing mom, Kayle (Kay), and our rock-solid dad, Terry.
Since Mom was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer in May 2025, our family’s world has shifted. Dad stepped away from work to become her full-time caregiver, and together, they have faced every hurdle with incredible grace.
The Journey So Far: Victories & New Challenges
Mom is a fighter. On December 16, 2025, she successfully completed her first course of chemotherapy! It was a hard-won victory, supported by the prayers and love of friends and family.
In late January, she transitioned to radiation and daily chemo pills. While these treatments are working, they have taken a significant toll on her physical strength. Despite the exhaustion, Mom’s mental fortitude remains unshakable. She is determined to win this battle—and Dad is right there by her side, every single day.
A New Hurdle: The Road to Mobility
On March 4th, Mom faced a new setback: she fell and broke her hip. She underwent successful surgery and is currently in a Rehabilitation Hospital. We are in awe of her spirit; she is tackling Physical and Occupational Therapy with the same "never give up" attitude she brings to her cancer care. Every small movement is a victory, fueled by Dad’s constant love and the hope you all provide.
How Your Support Makes a Difference
We want to be transparent about how your generosity is sustaining our parents. As Dad is unable to work while providing around-the-clock care, your donations are a lifeline. They currently cover:
- Direct Support for Dad: Providing much-needed help for Dad as he manages the 24/7 demands of care-giving. This includes respite support, his own essential health supplements, and easing the financial weight so he can focus entirely on Mom’s recovery.
- Medical Gaps: Critical care costs and co-pays not covered by Medicare.
- Home Accessibility: Installing upgrades to home (wheelchair ramp, railings, etc.) and essential in-home safety equipment for her return from rehab.
- Healing & Nutrition: A rigorous holistic regimen of over two dozen physician-recommended supplements designed to strengthen Mom’s immune system, enhance her body’s natural cancer-fighting abilities, and restore her energy and overall health.
- Care-giving & Travel: Fuel and travel expenses for family members assisting with care and getting Mom to her many appointments (after rehab).
- Daily Essentials: Basic monthly bills and comfort measures to keep their home a place of peace and healing.
How You Can Help
1. Make a One-Time Donation
Any amount, large or small, makes an immediate impact. One-time gifts are currently being prioritized for urgent needs, such as railing and other safety equipment installations and bills resulting from Mom’s recent hip surgery and rehab stay.
2. Consider a Monthly Gift
As we look toward long-term care, recurring monthly donations (even $10 or $20) provide incredible stability. It allows us to plan ahead, cover rising monthly medical costs, and removes a massive weight of stress from our Dad’s shoulders.
3. Follow the Journey & Share
We post detailed updates and journal entries on our CaringBridge page. Even if you cannot donate, sharing this link with your network helps more than you know.
Thank You
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. This is the hardest journey our family has ever faced, and we have faced some hard ones, but we are not walking it alone. Your prayers, your donations, and your love are the fuel that keeps Mom—and Dad—fighting.
With deep appreciation and gratitude,
Amy & Andrew
(On behalf of Terry & Kay)