The Pie Fund

As many of you are now aware, my big brother is facing the fight of his life.  This past spring he had started receiving testing for some stomach ailments and was set up for a colonoscopy.  Before he even got that far he ended up in emergency surgery to have a portion of his colon removed, which included a malignant mass and three lymph nodes.   He was diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer that has spread to his liver, and is also adapting to life with a stoma. He has started an aggressive chemotherapy routine and is trying to keep his spirits high and hopeful, but we've come to a point where the financial stresses are getting to be too much.  Typically, we try to keep our family business to ourselves, unless asking for love and prayers, etc.. and it is very difficult for us to reach out in this way, but we are at a loss.  We are looking in to various other resources but have found most places just take us around in circles or leave us waiting to hear back.  Fortunately, this is only a temporary situation, as Pie has been approved for long-term assistance.  However, the first payment will not come through until the end of January, leaving him wondering how to get through the next three months.  He has also been approved for Medicaid, so thankfully medical expenses are not too much of an issue, though he has begun to find that not all of the ostomy supplies he needs are covered or he is only able to receive in limited amounts. Pie lives fairly simply, when he sold his house on the mountain last April he was happy to purchase a small converted camper located in a seasonal RV park, that park closes on October 31st.  This was all fine in the "pre-cancer" plan as he thought he would be spending the winter at the beach, now he is scrambling to find a place to live while he finishes this first cycle of treatments.     Brian's biggest fear in this current situation is the time he is losing with his boys, William - 11 and Logan - 10.  Pie's boys are his world, there is nothing more important, they are the reason he is fighting.  Many of you may not know that their Mom moved them out of state this summer, so not only is he adjusting to this new life and battle, but he is doing it while also adjusting to being away from his children for the first time in all of their lives.  Again, in the "pre-cancer" plan, this was going to be difficult, but he could have made it work.  He still shares custody, they come here when they can, and we are more than welcome to visit any time, but now he has to worry about the funds to do so.  Both boys have birthdays approaching, William in November and Logan in December, then there are also the holidays.  Of course, we plan on Pie being around for many more of these occasions, but this year feels more important than ever. As I stated earlier, it is very difficult and quite humbling to put this out to the world, but all that matters now is doing everything possible to help my brother live the best life he can at the moment, with as little stress and worry, and as much happy as he can handle.  We are so very grateful for all of your continued support through this really tough time...and as always, prayers, love, good vibes, positive thoughts.. all still gladly accepted!   xo  Lin