Steve Flanders needs our help!
Donation protected
Dear GoFundMe friends of Steve Flanders,
Just when you think things cannot possibly get worse…well, they have. PLEASE don’t stop reading!! Our friend Steve really needs our help in a Very Big Way.
It started with Steve’s early winter diagnosis of progressive Alzheimer’s Disease. He had to leave the job he loved. He is his wife’s primary caregiver in her struggle with cancer. They were already deep in debt from mounting medical expenses. And then, this.
Steve’s question: Why do I have such debilitating back and neck pain?
A recent MRI revealed that Steve’s neck pain is caused by a large bone spur pressing on his throat. It must be removed surgically. Soon. Failure to do so means he’s at risk of not being able swallow at all.
And then, this.
Another MRI showed cervical stenosis of the spinal canal and stenosis of the lumbar region.
What that means is yet another major surgery pending. Why? Because his spine is basically unprotected, and he’s a prime candidate for total paralysis which cannot be reversed. The surgery itself is dangerous. Worst case scenario is that the surgery itself could result in paralysis.
Steve is facing two major surgeries, many months of recovery, and immense medical expenses.
Can you…would you…dig deep to help our friend and his family through this major ramping up of medical issues, surgeries, recovery and the expenses that go along with all of that?? And would you share this GoFundMe plea with everyone you can think of who might help Steve, too?
Please. And thank you.
Barbara Gilbertson
Coordinator of Steve's GoFundMe site
Here's some background about Steve and his family.
Steve’s dementia diagnosis meant he had to leave the Opportunity Partners job he loves. He has won many awards, honoring his service at OP. For 27 years, he has provided direct services to individuals with cognitive disabilities. (In the long ago, we called that mental retardation.)
My brother (aka Brother G) has cognitive disabilities. Steve has been part of his life for more than 20 years. And it’s no exaggeration to say that Steve is his hero. Just ask Brother G! Steve gave and gave and gave to all of his clients. So, he’s their hero, too.
Steve’s wife, DonnaSue, was diagnosed nine years ago with Stage 5 lymphoma. She has beaten that cancer into remission, but the cost to her body and strength has been humongous. She has been unemployed for nine years! Steve is DonnaSue’s primary caregiver.
Their daughter, HaileySue, is working on her college degree. She loves her dad.
Just when you think things cannot possibly get worse…well, they have. PLEASE don’t stop reading!! Our friend Steve really needs our help in a Very Big Way.
It started with Steve’s early winter diagnosis of progressive Alzheimer’s Disease. He had to leave the job he loved. He is his wife’s primary caregiver in her struggle with cancer. They were already deep in debt from mounting medical expenses. And then, this.
Steve’s question: Why do I have such debilitating back and neck pain?
A recent MRI revealed that Steve’s neck pain is caused by a large bone spur pressing on his throat. It must be removed surgically. Soon. Failure to do so means he’s at risk of not being able swallow at all.
And then, this.
Another MRI showed cervical stenosis of the spinal canal and stenosis of the lumbar region.
What that means is yet another major surgery pending. Why? Because his spine is basically unprotected, and he’s a prime candidate for total paralysis which cannot be reversed. The surgery itself is dangerous. Worst case scenario is that the surgery itself could result in paralysis.
Steve is facing two major surgeries, many months of recovery, and immense medical expenses.
Can you…would you…dig deep to help our friend and his family through this major ramping up of medical issues, surgeries, recovery and the expenses that go along with all of that?? And would you share this GoFundMe plea with everyone you can think of who might help Steve, too?
Please. And thank you.
Barbara Gilbertson
Coordinator of Steve's GoFundMe site
Here's some background about Steve and his family.
Steve’s dementia diagnosis meant he had to leave the Opportunity Partners job he loves. He has won many awards, honoring his service at OP. For 27 years, he has provided direct services to individuals with cognitive disabilities. (In the long ago, we called that mental retardation.)
My brother (aka Brother G) has cognitive disabilities. Steve has been part of his life for more than 20 years. And it’s no exaggeration to say that Steve is his hero. Just ask Brother G! Steve gave and gave and gave to all of his clients. So, he’s their hero, too.
Steve’s wife, DonnaSue, was diagnosed nine years ago with Stage 5 lymphoma. She has beaten that cancer into remission, but the cost to her body and strength has been humongous. She has been unemployed for nine years! Steve is DonnaSue’s primary caregiver.
Their daughter, HaileySue, is working on her college degree. She loves her dad.
Organizer and beneficiary
Barbara Gilbertson
Organizer
Eagan, MN
Steve Flanders
Beneficiary
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