Smus Family Medical/Funeral Support
Donation protected
UPDATE 10/25/2015: Tara and Alexis have begun the process of coping with the loss of their husband/daddy and defining what their life will be like now. Although insurance has covered much, lingering medical bills and funeral expenses, as well as general living expenses with the loss of their main income, is a daily stress for Tara. Prayers and donations are so greatly appreciated.
Original Campaign Description:
Pete & Tara Smus are going through a devastating time right now and could use our support. In November 2014, Pete was admitted to Methodist Hospital Medical Center in Houston where he was diagnosed with stage 3 stomach cancer. After several months in the hospital, extensive surgery, chemo infusions and radiation, things were looking up. But Pete was recently rushed back to the hospital with severe stomach pain, only to find the cancer is back - and worse than before. His doctors have given Tara an honest assessment. Pete's future is uncertain, although he has been given another strong round of chemo.
This is very disheartening because they're dealing with multiple health complications for Tara as well. She just had to have a complete hysterectomy due to numerous cysts and she has been approved for an advanced treatment for Parkinson's Disease - a debilitating condition she was diagnosed with in 2008, shortly after the birth of their daughter, Alexis. Tara's Parkinson's is very aggressive and requires a variety of medications to allow her to function and to care for Pete and Alexis. Over two years ago, she was forced to leave her job as a result of her worsening condition. Since then, her goal has been to receive approval for an experimental DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) procedure that has provided extensive relief to Parkinson's patients. Tara received the green light earlier this year (and just underwent the hysterectomy in preparation for it), but her procedure is now on hold, as the focus has shifted to Pete's treatments.
Tara relies on Pete for almost everything from moral support to financial support. Pete and Tara are proud people and would not openly disclose how much this is costing them and would never ask for a hand out. But as Tara's close cousin, I know the financial stress is now taking a toll. They pay for their own health insurance policy and much of their $400,000+ in medical expenses is covered, but last year they paid $25,000 out of pocket and this year, the bills are rolling in again as well. Some financial relief is exactly what they could use right now.
No amount is too small. I pray for Pete and Tara and Alexis every day. And I'm asking each of you to say a prayer with each donation, and each day therafter. You may donate to Pete and Tara anonymously, or post a message of encouragement with your donation - the choice is yours, and I thank you in advance for showing your support for my dear cousin and her family.
Original Campaign Description:
Pete & Tara Smus are going through a devastating time right now and could use our support. In November 2014, Pete was admitted to Methodist Hospital Medical Center in Houston where he was diagnosed with stage 3 stomach cancer. After several months in the hospital, extensive surgery, chemo infusions and radiation, things were looking up. But Pete was recently rushed back to the hospital with severe stomach pain, only to find the cancer is back - and worse than before. His doctors have given Tara an honest assessment. Pete's future is uncertain, although he has been given another strong round of chemo.
This is very disheartening because they're dealing with multiple health complications for Tara as well. She just had to have a complete hysterectomy due to numerous cysts and she has been approved for an advanced treatment for Parkinson's Disease - a debilitating condition she was diagnosed with in 2008, shortly after the birth of their daughter, Alexis. Tara's Parkinson's is very aggressive and requires a variety of medications to allow her to function and to care for Pete and Alexis. Over two years ago, she was forced to leave her job as a result of her worsening condition. Since then, her goal has been to receive approval for an experimental DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) procedure that has provided extensive relief to Parkinson's patients. Tara received the green light earlier this year (and just underwent the hysterectomy in preparation for it), but her procedure is now on hold, as the focus has shifted to Pete's treatments.
Tara relies on Pete for almost everything from moral support to financial support. Pete and Tara are proud people and would not openly disclose how much this is costing them and would never ask for a hand out. But as Tara's close cousin, I know the financial stress is now taking a toll. They pay for their own health insurance policy and much of their $400,000+ in medical expenses is covered, but last year they paid $25,000 out of pocket and this year, the bills are rolling in again as well. Some financial relief is exactly what they could use right now.
No amount is too small. I pray for Pete and Tara and Alexis every day. And I'm asking each of you to say a prayer with each donation, and each day therafter. You may donate to Pete and Tara anonymously, or post a message of encouragement with your donation - the choice is yours, and I thank you in advance for showing your support for my dear cousin and her family.
Organizer and beneficiary
Sarah Doll
Organizer
Saranac, MI
Tara Smus
Beneficiary
