- E
Hello All,
Back in May of 2012 my wife, Michele, was diagnosed with colon cancer. Fortunately, we caught it early and the disease was treatable with chemo and radiation. Anyone that's been through this treatment knows the havoc it wreaks on the body, the mind and the family. Michele, however, is the most positive and inspirational person I've ever met. There is literally no situation to which she cannot see the silver lining. So strong is her character that she maintained her job throughout treatment, not missing a day, a meeting or even a sales goal.
In December 2012 she was declared 'cancer free' and set about the long road of recovery. Although Michele did not lose her hair one of the late effects of the radiation was the loss of bone density in her upper jaw and the subsequent loss of 13 teeth. With no dental insurance the 'out of pocket' costs for dental surgery, dentures, etc. has exceeded $20,000. We've been able to absorb the cost, but it's left us no reserve and living paycheck to paycheck praying nothing else happens.
Fast forward to this January (2015). That job that Michele maintained while fighting cancer, well they 'let her go' due to 'cost saving measures' after 22 years of impeccable service. Then, in March a routine follow-up determined that the cancer had returned. So it's back on the chemo and this time it's been immobilizing. My wife takes the chemo Monday and it's Thursday before she has the energy to get out of the house. Thank God (or Dog) for Chester as he looks after her while I'm out attempting to make the ends meet.
The ends, however, are not meeting. My business is good, better than ever, but still not enough to cover the loss of her income, the 'out of pocket' expenses for the chemo and the ever increasing costs of food, insurance and rent.
We've economized in everyway possible and are in the process of looking for a less costly home. My goal is to get through this current round of treatment before we have to uproot and move. All our lives we've been taught to 'pull ourselves up by our bootstraps' and we've been valiant. It pains me to have to ask for help, but this is my partner and there's no indignity I would not suffer to ensure her health and happiness. I'm sure you understand. Thank you in advance for your concern and generosity.
Yours truly,
Alex Szlener
Back in May of 2012 my wife, Michele, was diagnosed with colon cancer. Fortunately, we caught it early and the disease was treatable with chemo and radiation. Anyone that's been through this treatment knows the havoc it wreaks on the body, the mind and the family. Michele, however, is the most positive and inspirational person I've ever met. There is literally no situation to which she cannot see the silver lining. So strong is her character that she maintained her job throughout treatment, not missing a day, a meeting or even a sales goal.
In December 2012 she was declared 'cancer free' and set about the long road of recovery. Although Michele did not lose her hair one of the late effects of the radiation was the loss of bone density in her upper jaw and the subsequent loss of 13 teeth. With no dental insurance the 'out of pocket' costs for dental surgery, dentures, etc. has exceeded $20,000. We've been able to absorb the cost, but it's left us no reserve and living paycheck to paycheck praying nothing else happens.
Fast forward to this January (2015). That job that Michele maintained while fighting cancer, well they 'let her go' due to 'cost saving measures' after 22 years of impeccable service. Then, in March a routine follow-up determined that the cancer had returned. So it's back on the chemo and this time it's been immobilizing. My wife takes the chemo Monday and it's Thursday before she has the energy to get out of the house. Thank God (or Dog) for Chester as he looks after her while I'm out attempting to make the ends meet.
The ends, however, are not meeting. My business is good, better than ever, but still not enough to cover the loss of her income, the 'out of pocket' expenses for the chemo and the ever increasing costs of food, insurance and rent.
We've economized in everyway possible and are in the process of looking for a less costly home. My goal is to get through this current round of treatment before we have to uproot and move. All our lives we've been taught to 'pull ourselves up by our bootstraps' and we've been valiant. It pains me to have to ask for help, but this is my partner and there's no indignity I would not suffer to ensure her health and happiness. I'm sure you understand. Thank you in advance for your concern and generosity.
Yours truly,
Alex Szlener