On October 9th, 2019 the Hawkins family received some very devastating news.  Michelle was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer.  Michelle will begin chemotherapy as soon as her health allows.  She is also preparing for other procedures, including a mastectomy, to hopefully remove the cancer from other areas of her body. Phil and Michelle  are coordinating her treatment with UC San Francisco in hopes to get the best treatment available to beat this disease. 

Medical bills and deductible have already reached $13,000.  The Hawkins family will face more expenses throughout Michelle's many treatments.  Their greatest concern is their two adult, special needs, children who require 24 hour care.  Michelle, Phil and thier Aunt Jenny have been their only care-givers their entire lives.  For the next several months, this arrangement will no longer be possible due to Michelle's condition and they will need to hire a care-giver to take care of Chance and Chelan.  The care of their children has always been Michelle's #1 priority.  They have already been faced with extensive copays and deductibles and will add a caregiver and out of town travel to their list of expenses in order to get the best treatment available for Michelle.

They are a proud family that rarely would ask for anything from anyone.  Many of you may know Phil.  He's about to retire from the United States Forest Service after 35 years of service.  He's retiring out of the Fire Watch/Cobra Program located outside of Redding, CA.  The majority of Phil's career has been spent training and developing fire-fighters in the Hotshot and aviation community.  Kern Valley Hotshots and Apple Valley Helishots are just 2 of the areas he's worked throughout his career.  Phil has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and has been a valued member of the US Forest Service for 35 years.

For those who know Michelle, you know that she is a remarkable woman.  She is one of the strongest people you will ever meet.  Michelle is so thoughtful,  caring and always puts her family first.  Her family is her life which adds to the stress of their uncertain future.  Chance, their oldest child, is 23 years old and looks just like his dad.  Although Chance is unable to verbally express himself, he is a very caring young man and is very concerned about what's happening with his mom.  Chellan, Chance’s younger sister, is 21 years old and is a great artist and very talented in many ways.  

Over the years, the family has been through a lot but has always taken life's challenges in stride with no complaint. They need us now friends.  Please donate anything you can to help this family relieve some financial pressure.  Michelle and Phil must give her treatment their full focus to give her the best chance at survival.  If you are able to assist their family during this time, I know they would deeply appreciate it.

Thank you,