Howard Sanders Memorial

As most of you know, Howard has been in the battle of a lifetime for the past year and a half.   He has been tested to the limit not only physically but spiritually and emotionally--yet he is optimistic and believes there are lessons to be learned on his journey.   One of the profound lessons we have learned together is that cancer is unpredictable--and incredibly expensive.  But Howard, the girls and I all know that your prayers and good wishes have definitely contributed to his coming back from being very close to death this summer.  For that we are eternally grateful to everyone!  And now the fight continues.

It has always been Howard's greatest joy to touch people's lives in a positive way--especially those of young people, and I have witnessed first hand the profound impact of his selflessness.  He has set an incredible example for Greer and Shea--so much that when he donated a kidney to a lifetime friend without hesitation, the girls just rolled with it.  They have watched him counsel, encourage, and give of himself through the years and he has asked for nothing in return.  Howard does not like to ask for anything so we are doing it for him.  This fight has cost us a tremendous amount of money.  Our credit cards are maxed out and we have spent our life savings.  Unfortunately the medical bills are still piling up.  This weighs heavy on all of us--especially Howard as a husband and father who wants to provide and protect. 

Howard desperately wants to return to work but right now he needs to continue treatment so he can get stronger.  Worrying about expenses does not help his recovery.    We are so thankful for any amount you can give and we will keep you posted on Howard's recovery and progress.  Not only that, but if you donate $100 or more I will do what I do best--bake for you.  I'll give you a choice of a dozen of my famous bourbon (or rum balls) or a dozen of my famous peanut butter cookies.

**Well!  This has been a stunning 48 hours!  Never in our wildest dreams did we imagine such an outpouring of love in such a short time.  I think the Go Fund Me team was caught off guard by the incredible response to this campaign.  They have asked me to clarify a few things so that you can be confident that your donations are going exactly where they should go--that is to pay the medical expenses we have incurred over the past 18 months. 

The funds are being automatically withdrawn from the Go Fund Me account and going to directly into our personal bank account.  It is set up this way so that I, as Howard's wife and advocate (and holder of Power of Attorney for him) can be sure that the funds are dispersed to each and every medical bill we have for Howard beginning with the oldest one first.  As funds become available from the GoFundMe account I will pay down the bills either by check or direct debit until the bills are all paid.  If there are any funds left I will apply them to the credit card Howard and I share which was used to pay for several surgeries up front.  One of those surgeries was to insert the portacath he needed in order to receive chemotherapy.  That small portion alone cost $3,000.  This was during Shea's first and Greer's last year of college, so as you can imagine we were thankful we had the credit card. 

Anyway, the GoFundMe team does not know Howard like all of you do, so it is understandable that they want our donors to know how the money is being used.  If any of you have further questions or would like to see the medical bills I will be more than happy to share the information with you.  You are welcome to call either Howard or me!  Also, as the bills start getting paid down I will post updates of what the bill was for and that it has been paid in full.  This way y'all will be in the loop.

Again, thank you so much and bless you for thinking of Howard.  We love and appreciate every one of you!