Stand with Anna's Family in Their Time of Need

Hi, my name is Allie and I want to talk to you about Anna and Andrew's family.

Anna is everyone's best friend, your confidant, your cheerleader, a peacemaker, and the best party/event hostess ever! One of my favorite things about Anna is that she is constantly trying to improve herself. She's always trying to grow, learn from others, and become a better person every day. If you were to ask anyone about Anna, I think they would tell you that she makes them feel like THEY are her best friend. Anna is sunshine and sparkle.

Andrew is loyal and hardworking. He devotes every minute to improving his family's life. He also believes in bettering himself in every way, and the two have worked tirelessly for years on their marriage, selves, and as parents. Andrew is surrounded by all girls; three beautiful, hilarious, and fun girls. Sarah age 12, Evelyn age 10, and Amy age 7. Their family is a beautiful unit that makes everyone feel special, welcome, and always is making life fun.

Now here is where I need YOUR help. Anna had had some minor medical concerns that she had been trying to get answers to for TWO years. As part of the checklist, she was recommended to get an MRI to rule out a tumor on her pituitary gland. On April 22nd she got an MRI thinking this might just be another frustrating step and a one in a million chance. You can imagine the shock that hit Anna when learning that she did indeed have a VERY large tumor on her pituitary gland pressing on the optical chiasm.

As the family was grasping with this news, the poop hit the fan, or I guess in their case, the cars. The next day (April 23rd), a recently fixed clutch went out in Andrew's car. As frustrating as it was, they were assured it would be a quick fix. Meanwhile, since Anna's car was totaled, their car insurance would cover three days of a rental car to use. Three days came and went, Andrew's Subaru was given delay after delay and STILL is in the shop more than a month later. Meanwhile, the insurance paid for the 3 days of the rental car that was used to help them manage their work and household, and the money for the rental has been completely out of their own pocket since. When it rains, it pours?

Anna is currently in surgery (May 29th) and expected to be in the hospital 4-7 days minimum. Afterwards, recovery will be a long and slow process. The plan for the first surgery is to remove half of the tumor, biopsy it and discover if it's cancerous or not. Depending on those findings; chemotherapy or radiation might be necessary. Depending on THAT outcome, a second surgery is likely to remove the second portion of the tumor. Overall, the family is looking at a minimum of 6 months of recovery time/financial stress/unknown.

Andrew is the sole breadwinner in the home currently. His work has allowed him to have FMLA for the next three months while he cares for Anna and their girls; however, it is UNPAID. The state of Washington can help some, but will only cover up to 70% of his salary. Ouch ouch ouch.

I cannot fathom a more deserving, loving reason to donate than these five souls and their troubles they are currently facing. They acknowledge how tough times are for so many right now, but their family and friends urge you to consider donating anything you can to help with medical expenses, food and needs for their family, car expenses, recovery wants and wishes for Anna, and possibly funds to allow the girls to have some fun distraction while Mom is recovering.

If you are unable to help financially, we ask that you can send prayers and well wishes to the family as they courageously endure this challenge ahead. We thank you to their incredible, sacrificing, and loving village that has already done so much. Thank you all!