Lastinger Family Support
Donation protected
*** Update 7/22: David passed away early this morning while cuddled up next to Ellyn- the way he has always said he wanted to go. Now, Ellyn and Jonathan (and Amy) will begin to navigate a life without this amazing man. Any assistance will help as the healthcare bills from the last few months come in.
***Update from 5/26: David has Stage IV Sarcoma because the cancer has spread. He must immediately begin chemotherapy and have massive surgery to remove the large tumor.***
On May 7th, David and Ellyn were told that David had "High Level Sarcoma with Rhabdoid Features", a rare cancer usually seen in pediatric patients.
The journey began to find a specialist that could make the plan toward treatment and remission. Just last week, they were able to meet with a specialist at Moffitt Cancer Center. The doctor said because of the large size of the tumor (which was put in the chart as high level and "growing with a vengeance")- they should be prepared for a lot of treatment.
Although there is more testing required, David will immediately begin five weeks of radiation Monday through Friday. Soon after radiation, a surgery will be performed to remove the tumor. The recovery from the surgery is expected to be quite long. Whether chemotherapy or continued radiation is required after the surgery will be determined in the next couple of weeks.
This page was created as a way for people to support David and Ellyn as their family faces this new reality.
They are already feeling the financial pressures of navigating the healthcare system and generally putting their "normal" life on hold. David's cancerous tumor is causing extreme pain and is limiting his ability to continue taking care of household needs. Ellyn's work hours will be strained as she manages David's treatment schedule. Not to mention the needs of a house with a middle schooler are big!
Any amount of financial help will allow them:
- to grab quicker meals during the full schedule of treatment
- fill in gaps with home needs and products
- lesson the burden of added prescription costs and healthcare bills
- lesson the overwhelming stress of intense and prolonged treatment
There is no financial gift too small to be helpful.
They already have received much support through people expressing concern, offering prayers, and sending gift cards. I know they are grateful and humbled by the love they have received.
***Update from 5/26: David has Stage IV Sarcoma because the cancer has spread. He must immediately begin chemotherapy and have massive surgery to remove the large tumor.***
On May 7th, David and Ellyn were told that David had "High Level Sarcoma with Rhabdoid Features", a rare cancer usually seen in pediatric patients.
The journey began to find a specialist that could make the plan toward treatment and remission. Just last week, they were able to meet with a specialist at Moffitt Cancer Center. The doctor said because of the large size of the tumor (which was put in the chart as high level and "growing with a vengeance")- they should be prepared for a lot of treatment.
Although there is more testing required, David will immediately begin five weeks of radiation Monday through Friday. Soon after radiation, a surgery will be performed to remove the tumor. The recovery from the surgery is expected to be quite long. Whether chemotherapy or continued radiation is required after the surgery will be determined in the next couple of weeks.
This page was created as a way for people to support David and Ellyn as their family faces this new reality.
They are already feeling the financial pressures of navigating the healthcare system and generally putting their "normal" life on hold. David's cancerous tumor is causing extreme pain and is limiting his ability to continue taking care of household needs. Ellyn's work hours will be strained as she manages David's treatment schedule. Not to mention the needs of a house with a middle schooler are big!
Any amount of financial help will allow them:
- to grab quicker meals during the full schedule of treatment
- fill in gaps with home needs and products
- lesson the burden of added prescription costs and healthcare bills
- lesson the overwhelming stress of intense and prolonged treatment
There is no financial gift too small to be helpful.
They already have received much support through people expressing concern, offering prayers, and sending gift cards. I know they are grateful and humbled by the love they have received.
Organizer and beneficiary
Emily Wright Lee
Organizer
Land O' Lakes, FL
Ellyn Lastinger
Beneficiary
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