Paris Hilton

Jimmy  Darts

Flavor Flav

SB Mowing

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Carlos Eduardo Espina

Samuel Weidenhofer

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

<div>Help Hailee Recover After a Devastating Accident


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<div>On August 2nd, 2025, my 16-year-old daughter, Hailee, was involved in a horrific accident. While joyriding with a group of friends on the highway, Hailee fell out of the front passenger-side window at a high rate of speed. 
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<div>She was rushed to the ER and admitted to the trauma unit in critical condition.


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<div>Hailee has suffered severe road rash, covering nearly 75% of her body; this requires deep wound cleaning, under sedation, due to the pain and extent of her injuries. She also underwent multiple CT scans and X-rays, which revealed numerous fractures in both of her feet and wrist. She now has hard casts from knees to toes, and she cannot walk for at least three weeks.


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<div>To reduce the risk of infection, she has been started on IV antibiotics. Her daily bandage changes take over an hour by the wound care specialists, causing her excruciating pain. Her recovery will involve inpatient rehabilitation, along with continued support from:


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<div>	•	Wound care specialists


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<div>	•	Orthopedic surgeons


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<div>	•	Physical and occupational therapists


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<div>	•	Pain management


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<div>	•	Dietitians, social workers, and a full-time nursing team


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<div>This has been a life-altering event for Hailee, and for our family.


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<div>As a single parent, I’m doing everything I can to stay by her side during this incredibly difficult time — but I’m facing a financial crisis. I recently started a new job, and my health benefits have not yet started. Every day, I’m juggling medical decisions, time off work, and the emotional toll of seeing my child go through so much pain.


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<div>We’re asking for your help.


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<div>We are raising funds to cover:


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<div>	•	Immediate and continued hospital and trauma care costs


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<div>	•	Medications, wound care, and rehabilitation


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<div>	•	Medical equipment and mobility aids


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<div>	•	Lost income during her care


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<div>Any donation, big or small, will directly support Hailee’s healing journey. If you’re not able to donate, simply sharing this page would mean the world to us.


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<div>Hailee is strong, but this recovery will take time, resources, and love. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for standing with us during this unimaginably difficult chapter.


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<div>With gratitude,


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<div>Jessica


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<div>(Hailee’s parent)


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Support Hailee’s recovery in this time of crisis

<div>Help Bill Rebuild His Life After Tornado: severe Injury and rebuilding his home
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<div>Hello everyone,
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<div>My name is Will, and I'm raising funds for my father, Bill, who suffered a life-changing injury during the May 16th tornado that struck St. Louis, Missouri.
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<div>UPDATE from my Father:
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<div>It's been nearly 7 months since the devastating F3 Tornado struck here in St Louis and almost 5 months since my Hospital stay.
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<div>Our home sustained moderate damage until the rain started. My family's attempt find someone to adequately tarp our roof was unsuccessful which caused major damage.
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<div>Now we discovered that we were under insured to have our home completely repaired.
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<div>Becoming disabled as a result of my lower leg amputation during the tornado I am unable to do most of the the work that I would have been able to do otherwise. So I am asking for your help so that we may be able to get back in our home.
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<div>~Bill
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<div>When the storm hit, the power went out, and my dad, thinking only of my mom’s safety, rushed to grab a flashlight so they could see in the dark basement. He had just stepped six feet outside the basement door when a beam came crashing through a window, striking him in the right shin and severing his right ankle completely.
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<div>Bill is now facing the reality of life with a missing limb.
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<div>This injury is devastating for many reasons. My father is a driver by profession, and this will significantly impact his ability to work. He’s also a passionate craftsman and carpenter who loves building things for his family, friends, and community. The road ahead will not only be physically and emotionally difficult—it will be financially challenging as well.
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<div>If you know Bill, you know he’s the kind of man who would be out there in the chaos, helping to rebuild after the storm, if he could. Bill has dedicated his life to service, as a Navy veteran, a retired St. Louis city firefighter, and a man who never hesitated to show up when others needed him. He’s a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather to four little girls and two boys, and a friend to many. His clients, neighbors, and everyone around him know him as reliable, generous, and kind.
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<div>We are asking for help to raise $200,000 to support Bill’s long-term recovery and adjustment to a new way of living. These funds will help cover:
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<div>Medical bills and ongoing treatment
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<div>A prosthetic leg and rehabilitation services
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<div>Loss of income
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<div>Modifications to make his home accessible
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<div>Transportation and daily living support
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<div>And now he needs help rebuilding his home (underinsured)
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<div>We know that this goal is ambitious, but so is our belief in the generosity of the people who love and support Bill. Every donation, share, and kind word makes a difference. If you’re unable to give, we simply ask that you keep Bill in your thoughts and help us spread the word.
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<div>Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
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<div>—Will and the Atkins Family
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Help Bill Recover From Tornado Tragedy

<div>As you may have seen yesterday, Friday’s tornado completely devastated The Lobby by Union Studio. There is virtually nothing left. All the furniture, fixtures, and inventory were lost, and we were not able to recover any sellable art or goods. It’s a heartbreaking loss, especially for the 150 St. Louis artists who rely on The Lobby and Union Studio.
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<div>We were hesitant to start a GoFundMe, but so many of you have reached out asking how you can support us and the artists we work with. We are uncertain what the future holds for The Lobby and Union Studio, but we’ve decided to open the door to your generosity.
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<div>Your donations will help us:
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<div>Cover lost wages for our staff
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<div>Compensate artists for losses
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<div>Support Union Studio through this uncertain time
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<div>If there are extra funds, we will donate the surplus to organizations that are supporting others in the community affected by the tornado. If you’re able, please consider giving to them directly—here are a few links if you are interested.
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<div><a href="https://www.ulstl.com/#/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.ulstl.com/#/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.ulstl.com/#/</a></a>
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<div><a href="https://www.211helps.org/2025-storms-tornados/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.211helps.org/2025-storms-tornados/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.211helps.org/2025-storms-tornados/</a></a>
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<div><a href="https://actionstl.org/donate" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://actionstl.org/donate" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://actionstl.org/donate</a></a>
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<div>Thank you for supporting us. Your kindness means more than we can say.
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<div>With love, 
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<div>Sarah &amp; MB
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<div>Co-Owners
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Support The Lobby and Union Studio After the Tornado

<div>Hi Everybody. This is Michael. I'm writing to let you know that I've had to take a little break in my world domination tour to get some cancer treatment. You're reading this message because I'm trying to see if I can get you to pay for some of it. My prognosis is good and I've already done 30 radiation treatments and a couple rounds of chemo. I've got one more round of chemo left. I was hoping to have some weird radiation-caused mutation that would cause me to grow 50 feet so I could attack downtown Austin all by myself but what happened instead was I paid a shit-ton of medical bills and missed a bunch of work. I actually have pretty good insurance but my deductible is big so I'm still in the hole kinda bad. Any help you might be able to throw my way would be much appreciated. Again, my prognosis for recovery is really good. I don't want anybody worrying. I just want some of your sweet, sweet cashola. I hope you have a lovely day. Y'all are sweethearts. XOXO, Michael.
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Help Michael Conquer His Medical Bills

<div><strong>Who this will help</strong>
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<div>My name is Mary Piasecki, my family is neighbors and friends with siblings, Gio and Alondra.
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<div><strong>Why I'm fundraising</strong>
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<div>Gio and Alondra are two amazing Lindbergh kids who tragically lost both of their parents this past year. Gio is a junior in high school this year, to know Gio is to love Gio. He is well known at LHS, has a ton of friends and you can usually find him cheering on his Lindbergh friends at a football game, basketball game or many other school events. Gio is an awesome young man with some special needs. Alondra is the sweetest 7th grade girl. She is a beautiful fun-loving girl with an enormous heart. Gio and Alondra sadly lost their beloved mother to cancer last spring, they have been grieving their mother with grace when the unthinkable happened. Last Saturday, they tragically lost their beloved father when he unexpectedly passed away. Gio and Alondra have been through more in the past year than anyone should have to go through in a lifetime.
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<div><strong>The impact of your support</strong>
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<div>Gio and Alondra's older sister Lorena is now the legal guardian of them. Lorena has a family of her own with small children. Lovingly adding two more children to her household will come with some challenges and unexpected expenses of raising two more kids. As a community it would be amazing if we could come together and show this wonderful family how much they are loved and supported especially during the holiday season. Thank you for your support.
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Gio and Alondra

<div>From Guy:
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<div>Imagine my surprise after a 10 hour/12,000 step day at work, when I suddenly started throwing up copious amounts of blood. Ambulance ride to the hospital leads to a diagnosis of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of my tongue and throat. It does not appear to have spread beyond the lymph nodes in my neck, but this sucker is huge.
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<div>Everything in my life came to a sudden, silent halt. That was February 8th. My prognosis is 60% survival, but I'm fairly young end generally hearty. I'm also stubborn as hell, as nearly all of you know.
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<div>They put in a tracheostomy to protect my airway and last week I went back in for a feeding tube because I've lost nearly 30 pounds since summer. I can still eat but it's going to get harder and I need calories and protein to withstand the coming battle.
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<div>Work is out of the question at this point.  I'm on FMLA which protects my job and keeps my insurance affordable, but I still have to pay my rent, car expenses and other bills. I've used my PTO and sick leave. People at Fresh Thyme are donating PTO to me. What I'm asking for help on is paying the bills to keep my apartment and other expenses covered and help with the coming deluge of medical bills.
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<div>I've applied for SSDI &amp; SSI and hope to get that expedited which will cover about half of my monthly expenses. 
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<div>I'm looking at seven weeks of  five day a week radiation treatment plus chemotherapy and a period of recovery before I'll be back to fighting strength.
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<div>Thank you for reading this and I'm most grateful if you are able to donate.
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Help Guy kick cancer in the nads!

<div>The Rock Bridge High School community is grieving the loss of freshman, Evan Avery. Evan lost his life in a terrible car accident on Friday, May 5th.  Evan was a son, brother, friend, and teammate.  He will be missed tremendously by so many.  His football family is raising money to help his family with the unexpected medical and funeral costs they now face. 
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<div>As we posted on our Rock Bridge Football page:
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<div>”In the military, they say “I got your 6” which means, “I got your back”.  Last night, we saw just how much these football brothers have each other’s backs, on and off the field, and we know #6 will forever be in our hearts.  We know you’ve got their 6, #6.”
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<div>We appreciate all of the love and support that our RBHS community and so many others have shown Evan’s family over the past couple of days.  We invite everyone to share this page as they feel appropriate.  
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Evan Avery Family

<div><strong>Hi, my name is Kory Waschick. I am the daughter of Dick &amp; Shae Johnson. </strong>

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<div><b>UPDATED December 2nd: </b>
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<div>In October, my dad fell and hurt himself terribly. This led to an inter-cranial stroke. My mom and I had to make the difficult decision to admit him to a skilled nursing facility (nursing home).

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<div>He needs 24/7 care because he cannot do anything by himself. That means anything – bathe, eat, go to the bathroom, read, walk, etc. 
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<div>He is needing physical therapy now so he can try to regain a quality of life, which is a pricey additional cost. A facility like this is extremely expensive and their long-term care insurance doesn't kick in for 90 days after assessment — and we’re not guaranteed they will even pay due to certain requirements. 
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<div>This has been an exhausting experience and we’re trying to navigate it all. If you have already donated, thank you so much! If you can share, please do with your family and friends. I’m just trying to raise money to take the financial burden off my mom to get through the next several months. Anything that you can give would be greatly appreciated!! 
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<div>With much love and gratitude, Kory.

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Please help my parents

<div><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/three-children-whose-parents-died-months-apart-find-hope-and-community-support" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/three-children-whose-parents-died-months-apart-find-hope-and-community-support/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.cbsnews.com/video/three-children-whose-parents-died-months-apart-find-hope-and-community-support/</a></a> 
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<div>Tragically, on August 27th, 2022, just hours after celebrating her daughter’s 5th birthday, Megan Haupt unexpectedly died. This happened less than 5 months after her husband Greg, lost his nearly 2 year battle with cancer. Both parents have died leaving 3 children behind, Henry (11yrs old), Max (8yrs old), and Jane (5yrs old). This has left all of us heartbroken and with a sense of desperation for all 3 of them. Megan and Greg were amazing parents and above all else, wanted their kids to be happy. Saying that they will be missed, especially by these children is an enormous understatement.
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<div>Given that Megan and Greg were such loving and kind people, both of them had an unbelievable amount of friends who loved them dearly. We appreciate the prayers, positive thoughts, countless messages, and meal support. So many people have reached out and asked what they can do to help. Because of how unexpected this was, we are raising money as a starting point for Henry, Max, and Jane to assist in the cost of raising them. Any donation in support of these children and sharing this GoFundMe page would be greatly appreciated to put towards basic and immediate life needs which will go directly to the caregivers of Henry, Max, and Jane.
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<div>This family is loved by so many, and we are extremely grateful for all of you. These 3 children were the center of Megan and Greg’s world, and for them to be helped in this way, is exactly what they would want for them. We appreciate all of the love and support these children can get right now and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
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Paying Tribute to Megan and Greg Haupt

<div>Hi, my name is Jessica &amp; I MUST raise money to keep the home my dad left for my family so we won't be homeless. I've been homeless before &amp; made it through &amp; never thought I would be SO close to being here again.
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<div>I'm supposed to tell you about myself &amp; why this is so important to me &amp; hopefully you'll be kind enough to help out with anything... I am a mother of 3 plus my 2 bonus kids. I've actually been taking care of children since I was 8 years old. I started working at 14 years old &amp; often worked multiple jobs up until 2014 when my life fell apart. I had been diagnosed as bipolar in 2007 &amp; had struggled to find the right combination of meds. Things started getting rocky in 2013 after what seemed to be one attack after the next &amp; my mental health was less than healthy. My Dr prescribed a couple of meds that were supposed to have minimal side effects &amp; hopefully make life better. That was NOT the case! I was only on the meds for a short time but as a result my body betrayed me &amp; began attacking me. I was diagnosed with an involuntary movement condition named Tardive Dyskinesia. It began with obnoxious repetitive facial movements but escalated quickly into something horrific! All of a sudden I had this diagnosis &amp; no cure insight. My mental health was worse than ever!.  My body constantly moving, random &amp; SCARY breathing issues, choking multiple times daily. Every meal or beverage was a living nightmare. I lost 80 pounds like 100 days. My kids were terrified &amp; so was I. I lashed out &amp; pushed everyone away.  I spent almost a year of my life a prisoner of my body &amp; mind. I had to stop driving &amp; agorophobia reared it's ugly head.  I spent a couple years <span style="letter-spacing:0.0085px;">on tons of meds that only made me drowsy but never helped the movements. I am still unable to work &amp; my home has been sold in property tax sale in August. We are also dealing with some urgent plumbing issues which keep randomly ruining our things and can't use the sinks in the kitchen or the main bathroom. We've been trying to do anything to raise money but the deadline is looming to reverse the sale &amp; aren't nearly close enough. I feel terrible asking strangers to help but I must swallow my pride to save my family. Anything will help &amp; I am always helping others &amp; I'm hoping &amp; praying someone will help us!</span>
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Please help my family save our home.

<div>Mandi &amp; Kevin need your help so that she can focus on treatment and recovery without worry.  
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<div>Mandi was diagnosed with stage 4 Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, also called a Klatskin tumor. Surgery is not an option. 
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<div>When she starts chemo, it's not likely she'll be able to work full time. She eventually will have access to short-term disability, but that only covers a portion of her pay and not enough to cover financial needs while undergoing treatment. Your funds will help pay for medical bills, utilities, groceries, and Kevin.  
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<div>Mandi needs to be able to focus on getting better and Kevin's well-being. Your donation can make that possible!
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Mandi & Kevin Need Your Help

Update from Greg on 3/19/22:<br /><br />Sorry I’ve left everyone hanging, wondering what might be going with me. This post will be very to the point because I simply don’t have the energy for any pizazz.
<br /><br /> The trial was unsuccessful for me. My cancer grew in my liver to a point that it cannot be treated. Hospice is coming to our home today to help me be comfortable until I die.<br /><br />I can barely do anything anymore. I am in bed most of my days. I have no comfort. Constantly uncomfortable. It’s hard to eat. It’s hard to enjoy myself.
<br /><br />I REALLY appreciate everyone here in this group that has followed along and showed support for me and my family these past two years. I always wanted to beat this thing and throw a big party with anyone and everyone from the group invited so I could show you all my love. I’m afraid all I can do now is ask that, if you’re somewhat close to my wife, please give her support. She is having a very hard time with this, as you might expect. I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose me… I’m so awesome. : )<br /><br />If you sent me a letter while I was in the hospital, I got it! Thank you for your words.

Thank you to Mighty Kind, and Scott Mertz at Grandpas Family Farms for giving me some things that have showed me some relief.
<br /><br />Thank you to all that have dropped off food for our family. Those food drops were vital during days when everything felt like a wreck, and the last thing Megan wanted to do was turn on the oven.
<br /><br />Thank you to Ken Sturma with the Two-Three Fund, Denny Maher, and all others that made contributions to our GoFundMe. Even though we have legit insurance, we still have had to pay SO much out-of-pocket for my treatment.<br /><br />I’m not going to be able to talk or see everyone before I go. That makes me sad. You can try contacting me but my phone is on silent now and I don’t have the energy for conversations.
<br /><br />I’m very sorry that it has come to this.
<br />Thanks again for reading.
<br /><br />With so much love,

Greg Haupt<br /><br /><br /><br />—————————————-<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Family and Friends,<br /><br />Greg and Megan's world was turned upside down as they received the news of Greg's colorectal cancer.  On March 31, doctors confirmed that it had metastasized to his liver and lungs.  This is something no one is ever prepared to hear, yet alone it happening to our amazing Greg and his beautiful family.  <br /><br />Since that day, with the help from very special colleagues, Greg and Megan were connected with a specialist at Siteman Cancer Center.  Dr. Tan is an amazing doctor who created an action plan that made them feel comfortable and hopeful in his plan of attack.  Greg started his first round of chemotherapy on Tuesday, April 7 that will take place every other Tuesday for two months, followed by a scan that will monitor the progress of his treatment.  At that time, another round of chemotherapy will begin for two more months.  Dr. Tan is also researching blood traits and any other possibilities that will help find the right therapy for Greg's case.  <br /><br />What makes this even more heartbreaking is that COVID-19 has taken away precious time being spent with family and friends.  It has taken away a school routine for Henry, Max, and Jane.  It has taken away Megan being able to just focus on Greg.  It has taken away work from Megan so she can care for their kids and Greg during the day.  It has taken away normalcy for everyone, but in a time when the Haupts could use it most, it's gone.  <br /><br />In addition to all the constant prayers, positive thoughts, countless messages, and meal support, so many people have asked what they can do to help.  This page was created to give everyone the option to donate, if they would like, to help with medical bills, grocery deliveries, meals, activities for the kids, etc., especially while work is nonexistent.  The funds will go directly to the Haupt family to alleviate some of the burden.  <br /><br />The Haupt family is loved by so many and they feel your love and support each day.  They are extremely grateful for all of you and <strong>thank you</strong> from the bottom of their hearts.  <br /><br />"Encourage, lift and strengthen one another.  For the positive energy spread to one will be felt by us all. For we are connected, one and all."  - Deborah Day

Team Gregan Fund

Thank you guys for all of the support and help these past few months have been hard especially with the covid I got a place for my family a first car and I’m helping other people in the process. Ever bit counts and I’m not the only family your helping!!!

Poverty struck....blessing arose

In 2017, Nita was diagnosed with what doctors called stage one triple negative breast cancer, resulting in a mastectomy.  At that time, there was some activity in the lymph system, but they felt they had gotten it all.  <br /><br />As of June 2019, the breast cancer returned, metastasizing to her liver and spine, at stage 4, and it is considered terminal. Doctors told Nita in June she had only weeks to 2 months to live without chemo and radiation, and 18 mos - 2 yrs with chemo and radiation.  She has begun the most aggressive treatment her body can withstand at her regional cancer center, a half hour away in McComb. Nita is accompanying this medical treatment with proven adjuvent therapies  that research shows results in reduction of tumors and apoptosis of cancer cells. This adjuvent therapy is not covered by insurance, and is incredibly expensive, but we believe the combination will significantly lengthen her life beyond the doctors 2 year prognosis. Nita is ready to kick this cancer's ass.<br /><br />We need your help. Please share wide and far and donate whatever you can. Let's help Nita stay on this planet for a long time to come!<br /><br />If you would like to donate directly to Nita, please contact Nova (Elizabeth AN McDonald on FB) and she can send you the information to do so!<br /><br />See more of Nita's work on Facebook! <br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nitaturnageart/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/nitaturnageart/</a> <br /><br />See Nita's artistic community, Artica, in St. Louis!<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/articafest/photos/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/pg/articafest/photos/?ref=page_internal</a>

Saving Nita

<a href="http://www.onewaytrafficmusic.com">www.onewaytrafficmusic.com</a> <br />We’re releasing our first full length album this July and we are so thankful for the support that has gotten us this far. We couldn’t have gotten here without every single one of you who came to a show, bought our merch, listened to our music or cheered us on along the way.<br /><br />The costs of recording, distribution, promotion and touring all add up quickly, and as a young but growing band, we don’t have all the resources to make it happen without a little help from our friends.<br /><br />Please consider donating to our GoFundMe to help us take this next step. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been working so hard on, and we can promise that with your support, we won’t be slowing down anytime soon!

One Way Traffic Album Distribution/Tour

Hi all - this is to help put a dent in Michael's medical expenses. As you all know, Michael experienced a major unexpected heart attack on Easter Sunday in Fort Worth. He was in ICU for a few days and is still in the hospital working on a plan to come home. Stephanie has dropped everything to be by his side. I set this up to help them both with living and medical expenses as they are both missing work for an undetermined amount of time.  Give what you can if you can, every little bit helps.<br /><br />-together we can do what we can not do alone

One dollar at a time

Let me tell you about Jaylen. Jaylen is an charismatic, motivated, hard working young man and a loving father. He prides himself on being physically fit and living a healthy, active lifestyle. Jaylen is the oldest of 3 children. He values time spent with his family. Jaylen is always working to better himself to become a successful business man that he aspires to be. Jaylen was working towards his goal to be an entrepreneur and provide for himself and others.<br /><br />Jaylen was working hard, like any other day. He was working to pay his bills and provide for his young family. Unfortunately, what started as a normal day as an Amazon driver, quickly redefined his life forever. Jaylen's life was altered when he was shot in the back after an altercation over a handicap parking space in the Target parking lot on March 5, 2019. <br /><br />The ideas, goals and aspirations that he was working towards were ripped away from him, leaving him to forge a new life, much different from the one he had planned. Jaylen now remains hospitalized due to a gun shot wound, resulting in a T8 spinal cord injury. At this time, Jaylen has no feeling from his abdomen through to his lower extremities. Because his spine was severed at this level, it is unlikely that Jaylen will be able to regain the motor and sensory functions to allow him to walk or run to chase after his little boy. Jaylen and his team of doctors are not yet certain on what exactly Jaylen's physical limitations will be.<br /><br />Due to not having health insurance, we are raising money on Jaylen's behalf to cover the exorbitant costs of medical treatment. This treatment will include procedures and months of rehabilitation. In addition, this money will be beneficial for Jaylen as he works through his recovery process and adapts to his new way of life. <br /><br />Any contributions made will be pivotal to Jaylen's recovery. Please donate and share this GoFundMe account to show your support.

Jaylen's Road to Recovery

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/36310184_1547933914178979_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="36310184_1547933914178979_r.jpeg" />According to the national average teachers spend approximately $479 of their own money to cover class expenses not covered by their districts. Teachers who don't have the additional resources have students who simply go without.<br /><br />Please join us in raising money to provide the 17 Columbia Elementary School Teachers with $500 fund accounts to use towards equipment, materials, and educational programs.<br /><br />It is also our goal in the near future to also raise funds through a Bingo Fundraiser but we are currently working out the details.

Columbia PTO Enrichment Funds

<p>We saw some folks are raising money for a border wall to keep out our migrant siblings and fellow human beings, who are fleeing violence and persecution and whose tragically-underpaid labor is essential to the U.S. economy. <a href="https://www.brookings.edu/essay/the-wall-the-real-costs-of-a-barrier-between-the-united-states-and-mexico/">Seems like a bad idea on countless levels for everyone involved.</a>  Maybe we should focus on human rights and creating a community that reflects our supposed values. 
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<p>And even though at a rate of $1.7 million daily, it would take their fund about 35 years to raise the <a href="https://www.politifact.com/california/statements/2017/apr/28/scott-peters/would-trumps-border-wall-cost-same-one-and-half-us/">$21.7 billion that Trump's own Dept. of Homeland Security says would be needed</a>  to build said wall, we wanna make sure ladders are ready to send over to our undocumented friends and help them.
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<p>If this seems ludicrous, we welcome you to the coalition of reasonable adults. 
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<p>Should we not reach our goal--or should they (ahem) not reach theirs--all funds raised will go to the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services <a href="https://www.raicestexas.org/about/">(RAICES)</a> , a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families, and refugees.
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<p>You see, they’ll never reach their goal, but no matter how much we raise, we’re going to reach ours:
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<p>Supporting an organization working to help immigrants seeking legal asylum. This GoFundMe isn’t really about ladders at all. It’s about lifting people up.
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<p>This idea is the original brainchild of <a href="https://twitter.com/HoarseWisperer">@HoarseWisperer</a> on Twitter.
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<p>Questions? Concerns? Misspelled remarks full of racist vitriol you'd like to pass along? Find me at <a href="https://twitter.com/cmclymer">@cmclymer</a> .
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<p>Also: kudos to <a href="https://twitter.com/nancylevine">@NancyLevine</a>  and other advocates who have set up similar satirical fundraising for RAICES at <a href="https://gofundthewall.net"><a href="https://gofundthewall.net" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://gofundthewall.net</a></a>
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Ladders to Get Over Trump's Wall

<strong>We have a chance to help our friend.</strong><br /><br />In 2015, while 36 weeks pregnant, Angie discovered a mole on her back that lead to a Stage 2 Melanoma diagnosis. Several weeks later, with a one week old baby girl, Angie underwent a successful major surgery to remove the affected area and several lymph nodes (how’s that for badass?!) After three years of clean checkups Angie received devastating news that the cancer was back.<br /><br />For several months Angie had progressively worsening back pain thinking she just threw her back out. After no successful treatments, a MRI revealed several masses in her back and she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma. The worst of the tumors being on her sacrum, growing against that bone and fracturing her spine therefore affecting her mobility.<br /><br />Angie has spent her life creating and capturing happy, joyful, and loving moments for family, friends and clients. As a small business owner who makes a living getting to the right place at the right time this has been a huge detriment.  This diagnosis has caused her to put the work that she loves on pause to focus on her healing and her family.  She is thankful to have an amazing team working for her that continue to capture amazing memories for her clients on her behalf. And in true Angie form, she is still running the ship fielding emails and calls, planning and scheduling, and editing all of those gorgeous photographs.<br /><br />Angie has already undergone ten radiation treatments and is now part of a clinical trial as part two of her treatment plan. She is receiving the best care that the Siteman Cancer Center can provide.  Unfortunately, Siteman was out of network on her insurance plan in 2017, but they were the only ones to give the best treatment to Angie’s diagnosis.  As we all know, cancer treatment is incredibly expensive – in network and out of network.  And life and its associated bills continue despite a cancer diagnosis.  Her medical bills from the last three months in 2017 are equal to our goal amount alone. We hope to be able to help ease their burden of those bills and the in-network costs they will incur in 2018.<br /><br />Angie is approaching this like everything in her life: head on with positivity and determination. She is a fighter and a force to be reckoned with. It must be the #Girlboss in her.<br /><br />Angie is not only an amazing photographer, but a one-of-a-kind mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. We are all blessed to have Angie, Jason and Louelle in our lives.  Angie is blessed to have an amazing family and network of friends, who are pouring in hours of support, love and encouragement. We now have a chance to help them with the one thing that all that love cannot provide – the fiscal burden of this diagnosis. So we are asking for your help on behalf of this wonderful couple and their sweet little girl.  If you cannot provide a monetary donation, I know they would love your prayers and words of encouragement during this journey.  <br /><br />Angie appreciates everything Siteman has done to get her better and she looks forward to supporting the research at Siteman Cancer Center and educating the public in the future when this is behind her.  She is going to beat this cancer, and we can help her do it.<br /><br />Thank you for your support!<br />Love,<br /><br />Angie’s tribe of Family and Friends

Angie Fights Back at Melanoma

Our dear friends The Kagarama's are one of the loveliest families you will meet. They work so very hard to provide the best life they can for their precious family. <br /><br />This morning Alain was saddened with the news that his father has suddenly passed away. He and his wife, Alice, will be traveling to Rwanda for the funeral once their emergency passports are issued. Plane tickets are very costly and will be $2,000 per ticket. No one should have to go into debt by this large amount to attend their father's funeral and so I am asking for donations to help alleviate their burden.<br /><br /> If you know the Kagarama's then you know they are a true blessing and if you don't know them please know that your donation will not go unnoticed and will truly be helping a family that very much deserves every good thing that comes their way. This is the very least we can do to show this family that good things happen to those that put good out into this world. <br /><br />Please consider donating. I can't thank you enough!

Kagarama Bereavement Travel Funds

Award winning artist Nita Turnage, co-founder of  Artica, an urban arts festival in St. Louis, MO, relocated to her ancestral home in Mississippi in 2017, and shortly thereafter was diagnosed with what doctors called stage zero   breast cancer, resulting in a mastectomy.  Sadly, as of June 2019, the breast cancer has returned, metastasizing to her liver and two vertebrae, at stage 4, which is considered terminal without aggressive treatment, and is often terminal even with treatment. Being told in June she had only weeks or months to live without chemo and radiation, she has begun the most aggressive treatment her body can withstand at her regional cancer center, a half hour away in McComb. Nita is accompanying this medical treatment with numerous holistic practices and dietary approaches, and receiving Reiki, Pranic Healing, CranioSacral Therapy, and shamanic energy work, in addition to her own mantra, reiki, and yoga practices. In this way, she is valiantly fighting the cancer on all levels, physical, mental, and spiritual. She and Hap are taking all this in stride, but of course the toll is huge for both of them. Every morning, five days a week, Hap drives her the one hour round trip to McComb  for radiation, chemo, and doctors appointments, then goes to work himself until 10:30 at night. Nita, of course, is unable to work, but there was a bright spot following her first week of chemo and radiation. She graduated from yoga teacher training, and was able to attend the ceremony with the rest of her class. It was a beautiful day.<br /><br />Prior to her health issues, it has been the goal of Nita and her husband, artist Hap Phillips to turn her ancestral property into an artistic and spiritual retreat on the banks of the Tangipahoa River. Nita's reputation as an inspired collaborator and community organizer is well known in the artistic community of St. Louis, and these talents, along with hard work and artistic vision, were what propelled her move back to Mississippi, with the dream of providing a new outlet for creation and community on the land that has nurtured her family for over 150 years.<br /><br />The return of her cancer diagnosis at stage 4, along with the chemotherapy, radiation, and holistic treatments have caused great financial hardship and the inability to move forward with their dreams to finish creating their artistic retreat. While Nita does have health insurance through the Affordable Care Act, it only covers very basic hospital and medical costs. As of this date, it is not yet known how extensive or lengthy the treatment for the breast cancer will be.<br /><br />The cancer and mastectomy have left Nita unable to work, and while Hap has taken a part-time job that was immediately available, prospects for full-time work in southwest Mississippi are slim, especially for a professional artist. The bills are starting to come in quickly, so the need for financial support is immediate and urgent.<br /><br />This go fund me campaign has been created with the purpose of supporting Nita financially, emotionally, and spiritually, as she has supported so many others through the years, with the intention of raising funds to pay her hospital, chemotherapy and radiation treatments.  Any funds left after medical bills are paid will go towards development of the Tangiluna Artists' and Spiritual Retreat. <br /><br />Hap and Nita's vision for the Tangiluna Artists' and Spiritual retreat is to provide an idyllic setting for artists, creative individuals, and seekers to have an opportunity to rest, recharge, and create. The Retreat, which is located in Chatawa, Mississippi, resides on 39 wooded acres, with a mile of undeveloped private access to the Tangipahoa River, and includes open fields usable for camping and art installation. <br /><br />Chatawa is a peaceful and spiritual community that is also home to the historic St. Mary of the Pines convent. It is located eight hours south of St. Louis, MO, five hours south of Memphis, TN, and an hour and half from New Orleans and Baton Rouge, LA, and Jackson, MS. It is also a 20 minute drive from McComb, MS, the birthplace of Bo Diddley and a stop on the Missippi Blues Trail.<br /> <br />Once Nita is healed from her illness and surgery, there will be a need for volunteers to help rehab Diddie's Retreat House, a small Victorian-era farmhouse named for her grandfather that has been in Nita's family for over 100 years. Skills such as roofing, carpentry, painting, plumbing, electricity and general rehab and repair will be greatly appreciated, along with donations of materials and supplies. Volunteers can be housed in two bedrooms in Nita's home, and lovely camping sites are also available with bathroom, shower, and cooking access. <br /><br />Future plans for the Tangiluna Artists'  and Spiritual Retreat include providing art and spiritually-oriented workshops, acquiring additional adjacent land and unused housing to accommodate more retreaters, and creating a sustainable environment with vegetable gardens and off-the-grid power. Hap and Nita would also like to develop an artists network between the cities of New Orleans and St. Louis with opportunities for collaboration and exhibition. <br /><br />The most immediate need, of course, is for financial assistance. <br />Thank you so much for your support of Nita, her health, and her dreams!<br /><br />See more of Nita's work on Facebook! <br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nitaturnageart/"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/nitaturnageart/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/nitaturnageart/</a></a> <br /><br />See Nita's artistic community, Artica, in St. Louis!<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/articafest/photos/?ref=page_internal"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/articafest/photos/?ref=page_internal" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/pg/articafest/photos/?ref=page_internal</a></a> <br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/27221094_15169951070_r.jpeg" alt="27221094_15169951070_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br />Sample of refrigerator magnets by Nita Turnage.<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/27221094_15169936040_r.jpeg" alt="27221094_15169936040_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Example of Hap Philips' metal art, metal type may vary.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/27221094_15169938400_r.jpeg" alt="27221094_15169938400_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Diddie's Retreat House.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/27221094_15169937430_r.jpeg" alt="27221094_15169937430_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />A country lane in Tangiluna.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/27221094_15169940430_r.jpeg" alt="27221094_15169940430_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />The Tangipahoa River, looking south.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/27221094_15169941550_r.jpeg" alt="27221094_15169941550_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />The former Chatawa Post Office, with the Tangipahoa bridge behind.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/27221094_15169942680_r.jpeg" alt="27221094_15169942680_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />The neighboring historic convent of St. Mary of the Pines.

Healing Nita

In an effort to join cities across the country that are removing confederate monuments, I, Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones, believe that this monument has no place in Forest Park and needs to be removed and should have been done so years ago. <br /><br />Since the City has cited a lack of funds as a reason for not removing the monument, I decided to launch a campaign to help raise the funds needed to remove the Confederate Memorial from Forest Park. <br /><br />Funds raised will go towards efforts to move the monument to a more appropriate place, instead of a public park where it currently resides.<br /><br />I have received an offer to move the monument for the amount I am attempting to raise. As soon as it is approved, the funds will be released to the city to assist with relocation expenses. Presently, I am not at liberty to state who the offer is from, due to it's pending approval. But please know that the offer is legitimate.

Forest Park Monument

My classmate's picture has gone viral and I find this to be very ridiculous. I think that it is sad that most of the people that are reposting and doing this cyberbullying are adults. JESSICA has struggled with this issue and has been teased for most of life about her teeth. Instead of criticizing and tearing Jessica down, let's support her dream of making her smile perfect. As citizens, we need to band together and turn this negativity into positivity. Let's make this go viral. PLEASE, DONATE !! Smiles for JESSICA!!!

Support for Jessica 

On the evening on December 1st, local musician, Tom Hall, became a victim of the so-called "Knock Out" game after he was brutally attacked by several men. Tom was walking in the Soulard neighborhood around 7pm when he was approached by 4 or 5 men who asked for a cigarette. After he stated he didn't have one, Tom decided to turn and head the other way when one of the men attacked him by punching him in the face and kicking him on the ground. As a result of this brutal beating, Tom has suffered multiple injuries including a broken nose, several loose teeth, and blurry vision. <br />Tom is a self-employed, local musician who unfortunately does not have health care or receive paid sick leave. Any donations provided will assist Tom in paying his medical bills and recovery by allowing him to take a bit of time off from playing music.  Tom has made so many of his own contributions to the community by playing fundraisers and helping those in need.  Please help Tom get back in the swing of things so he can continue to share his talents with all of us! Thank you for your contributions!

Support for THE Tom Hall

In the past few short months our lives have changed dramatically.  Tracy began having back pain that seemed a bit different than previous back injuries.  Her mom, Donna, who had Myodisplastic syndrome (MDS) for many years and underwent her first round of chemo which led to an infection and shortly thereafter her death on April 10. <br /><br />On April 23  after we were just starting to get things back on track after the loss of Donna, Tracy went for an MRI and we were told about a large lesion on her ovary.  From that Thursday on it has been nothing but tests. <br />Tracy was hospitalized starting Monday May 4th as the pain began getting out of control.  Thankfully my mother had come down from Iowa to help me with childcare and household chores.  <br /><br />The saga of diagnosing the disease has lasted just a few days but felt much longer.  They thought at first it was ovarian cancer, then myeloma, finally they were sure it was lymphoma. On May 7 we got our first diagnosis of stage 4 ovarian cancer - just 10 days after our first oncologist appointment.  Then on May 8th after getting back some additional histology we were told it wasn't ovarian cancer, nor was it breast cancer.  They then tested for everything they could think of - neurological cancers, pancreas, liver, kidney, intestinal, etc cancers. <br /><br />What it boils down to is that this is an aggressive cancer that isn't making a diagnosis easy.  Doctors remain hopeful that with the right chemo treatment, Tracy's good health and youthful age she may be able to beat this.  <br /><br />I appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement during this time when it matters most.  I'm grateful for your donations because Ben (age 8) and Natalie (age 5) will be needing a lot of help.  Tracy has been a spectacular stay at home mom since shortly after Ben was born and she will not be able to help this summer with childcare, household chores, making dinner or any of the other 1000 things she did while I was at work.  <br /><br />It will be tough road ahead for us, but having some financial relief from the upcoming medical bills, food &amp; transportation costs and additional childcare will help tremendously.  <br /><br />- Michael

Andrea Avery Durway