Cancer sucks. Nell hates cancer, so much so that she won't even say the word. Unfortunately, she is now fighting the disease that has always scared her. Nell was diagnosed with an ocular melanoma in February. Due to her rapid deterioration, a concerned friend took her to the hospital where they found that the cancer has actually spread well beyond her eye. Nell now has metastatic cancer with tumors in her brain, lungs, hip, and abdomen. As a result of the cancer in her brain, she is experiencing some memory loss and confusion that leaves her frustrated and embarrassed, especially for someone who has always prided herself on remembering names and numbers. 

We, her family, are waiting to gain a better understanding of what her treatment options are. What is clear is that treatment will be about buying time, not about curing this disease. We want that time to be good time, memorable time, time filled with love. 

Cancer is not only crappy because it steals your health, but dealing with its effects also steals your financial security. The last thing we want Nell worried about right now is money, but the expenses related to her medical treatment and the care needed to ensure she is safe at home are astronomical. Our goal now is to keep her safe, comfortable, and with access to the best care possible. To do that, we need help. 

It seems to be universally understood that Nell will do anything for her friends or family. She is (and has always been) a "give the shirt off her back" kind of person, sometimes even when she needed that shirt! It is probably the biggest challenge of her life that she is now in a position where she MUST ask for help. So, if you feel called to give, and if you have the means to do so, we'd ask that you do it now. We don't know what her future will hold, but any amount could help us ensure that her immediate needs are met. Please know that she is ALREADY overwhelmed by your generosity and that we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Grace and peace,
Nell's Loving Family