A Season of Heartbreak

The 2025 holiday season was one of unimaginable difficulty for Suzanne Clayton and her family. While most were celebrating, Suzanne, her husband Michael, and their four sons were navigating a maze of hospitals, laboratories, and clinics. On December 2nd, they received the news no family ever wants to hear: Suzanne has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to her liver and lymph nodes.

On New Year’s Eve, Suzanne began a rigorous three-part chemotherapy regimen. While this cancer is not curable, the goal of this treatment is to manage the tumors and provide Suzanne with as much comfort as possible. She is currently applying for clinical trials in the hopes of prolonging her time with the people she loves most.

The Plans That Changed

Suzanne recently retired from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) IT department. After years of supporting the systems that keep our community safe, her "golden years" were supposed to be filled with travel, her creative "she-shed," and making memories with Michael, their four boys, and their granddaughters.

The years she planned for have now turned into months. Her travel is now limited to what she can endure for clinical trials. Most importantly, Suzanne is counting down the days to January 19th, the due date of her third granddaughter. Her greatest wish is to welcome this new life and share her "Gigi" love with her.

A Heart for Others

If you know Suzanne, you know her infectious smile and her immense compassion for all creatures. It breaks her heart that she may not be able to give every friend a final hug. She cherishes her circle deeply, and right now, she needs that circle to surround her.

Knowing Suzanne and Michael, asking for help does not come easily to them. However, the reality of this fight includes:

• Added Medical Expenses: Costs not covered by insurance.

• Travel for Treatment: Gas, parking fees, and travel for potential clinical trials abroad.

• Quality of Life: Ensuring Suzanne can focus on her family and the new baby without the crushing weight of financial stress.

How You Can Help

Donate: Any contribution helps relieve the financial burden on the Clayton family during this incredibly emotional time.

Messages of Love: If you would like to send Suzanne a message or a memory, please post them here. She will see them, and they will provide her with much-needed strength and joy.

Share: Please share this link with the OCFA community and beyond to let Suzanne know she is not alone.

Thank you for helping our "Gigi" as she prepares to welcome a new generation into her heart.