Support Valerie Meerschaert's Battle with Breast Cancer

A young mother needs your help.

Valerie Meerschaert, our oldest daughter, just found out at age 42 that she has stage 2 breast cancer. As the mother of a first grader, this will be a difficult journey for Val, her husband, David McCutcheon, and their daughter, Sylvia. Newly diagnosed, they have not yet received a complete picture of her disease and care plan going forward.

A few sobering facts from my research:

• 51% of cancer patients take on debt related to their care, including most with full coverage insurance.

Val's husband has had some issues as well. Last year, he slipped in a parking lot, breaking several bones in his ankle. Despite a complicated surgery, it hasn't fully recovered and may require additional surgery. They are still affected by the loss of salary and a stack of medical bills from that.

Sylvia is an active, curious, and very loving first grader. She loves participating in Girl Scouts and playing with her cat, Biscuit. Of course, her favorite activities are baking cookies with Grandma and going to the park with Grandpa when they come to visit.

My wife and I survive on Social Security and a 401K. With limited resources and the fact we live 600 miles from them, our ability to assist is somewhat hampered. Sadly, both of Dave's parents are deceased.

This battle will be a long, hard journey for them. As a cancer survivor, I can attest to the costs and emotions involved in today's complicated world of deductibles, co-pays, and astronomical prescription costs. Any gift you can provide will go to keep up with the mortgage and medical bills while Val misses work due to her treatments. Please consider donating if you have the means. And take your health and any suggested cancer screenings very seriously.

Thank you!