Lori Zukas Fund
Donation protected
From my best friend:
Hello. My name is Lori. I am 32 years old. I am the wife of my beloved husband, Brandon, and mother to my precious children. Zach who is 6, McKenna who is 4, and Ellison who is 16 months old. These are the people who are all of life to me.
I grew up with six siblings and two wonderful parents. Because our home was a warm and happy place as I was growing up, having my own family now fulfills a deep and long anticipated joy for me. I find my greatest purpose as I love and care for my husband and my three beautiful children.
As if the diagnosis of breast cancer is ever expected news, in December of 2013 a doctor told me in a rather routine voice, “You have breast cancer.” Unexpected? Absolutely. This news seemed unreal. Discovering that only 2% of breast cancer diagnoses were the same as mine? Unbelievable. I was pregnant with Ellison at the time. At the next doctor visit, I was informed that "you will need to terminate your child" to survive.
As I left the doctor’s office that day, my head began to spin. As the thoughts raced through my brain, the obvious questions arose, but all I seem to remember saying out loud were the words, “Lord, show me the way.”
On May 14th, Ellison Annlee came into this world, perfect and beautiful.
As I have implemented my treatment plan to fight breast cancer, it has altered every aspect of my daily life. Perhaps hardest of all are the challenges of attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy for my household, especially with three little ones who are unable to fully understand.
The constant backdrop has been the financial toll. Many of you know how costly this process is. And now, moving forward into the next phase of my treatment, I can no longer put off something that is perhaps as hard for me as fighting cancer. And that is to ask for help.
I have learned that to move forward, we will be faced with the greatest financial challenge yet. Through my faith, the support of family and friends, and the financial assistance from this request, I know I will conquer this enemy that is attacking me and so many other women today.
Let me be clear. I am not asking anyone to sacrifice from your own struggle to make ends meet. Brandon and I know all too well what that is like. If this is you, we ask only for your heartfelt prayers.
However, we have asked the Lord that the right people, at the right time, who are able, will read this and simply sow a seed of healing. My confidence in God tells me the need will be met. And for those of you that are able to help, we pray your gift will return to you a hundred fold and more with Divine health and wellness to you and your household.
On behalf of me, my husband, and my children, we thank you in advance.
May God bless you richly,
Lori
Hello. My name is Lori. I am 32 years old. I am the wife of my beloved husband, Brandon, and mother to my precious children. Zach who is 6, McKenna who is 4, and Ellison who is 16 months old. These are the people who are all of life to me.
I grew up with six siblings and two wonderful parents. Because our home was a warm and happy place as I was growing up, having my own family now fulfills a deep and long anticipated joy for me. I find my greatest purpose as I love and care for my husband and my three beautiful children.
As if the diagnosis of breast cancer is ever expected news, in December of 2013 a doctor told me in a rather routine voice, “You have breast cancer.” Unexpected? Absolutely. This news seemed unreal. Discovering that only 2% of breast cancer diagnoses were the same as mine? Unbelievable. I was pregnant with Ellison at the time. At the next doctor visit, I was informed that "you will need to terminate your child" to survive.
As I left the doctor’s office that day, my head began to spin. As the thoughts raced through my brain, the obvious questions arose, but all I seem to remember saying out loud were the words, “Lord, show me the way.”
On May 14th, Ellison Annlee came into this world, perfect and beautiful.
As I have implemented my treatment plan to fight breast cancer, it has altered every aspect of my daily life. Perhaps hardest of all are the challenges of attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy for my household, especially with three little ones who are unable to fully understand.
The constant backdrop has been the financial toll. Many of you know how costly this process is. And now, moving forward into the next phase of my treatment, I can no longer put off something that is perhaps as hard for me as fighting cancer. And that is to ask for help.
I have learned that to move forward, we will be faced with the greatest financial challenge yet. Through my faith, the support of family and friends, and the financial assistance from this request, I know I will conquer this enemy that is attacking me and so many other women today.
Let me be clear. I am not asking anyone to sacrifice from your own struggle to make ends meet. Brandon and I know all too well what that is like. If this is you, we ask only for your heartfelt prayers.
However, we have asked the Lord that the right people, at the right time, who are able, will read this and simply sow a seed of healing. My confidence in God tells me the need will be met. And for those of you that are able to help, we pray your gift will return to you a hundred fold and more with Divine health and wellness to you and your household.
On behalf of me, my husband, and my children, we thank you in advance.
May God bless you richly,
Lori
Organizer
Brandon Zukas
Organizer
Marion, IL
