Tim Scott vs. Brain Cancer

Three months ago, my sons' dad Tim Scott was diagnosed with Glioblastoma (grade 4). The tumors were surgically removed (mostly) , and he completed rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. Prognosis has never been good. There's no cure, and treatment only buys time.

In early May, Tim suffered a sudden setback. He's been referred to Northwestern University Hospital in Chicago for clinical trials. His first appointment is five days from our starting this fund. Meanwhile, his care rests solely on his family's shoulders.

Tim ran out of money in March, and he must have round the clock care. Currently, we all take turns staying with him. But Indiana has been slow to approve benefits, and this has created a substantially financial strain on the family. Even when benefits are approved, there will be many costs associated with his care that insurance won't pick up.

We're the kind of family that has always done for ourselves, but this is far bigger than we can handle alone. We're hoping this fund might bring attention not only to our sitution but to many other families who suddenly find themselves in impossible battles.

Among what is needed:

(1) Help with Tim's living expenses. He has not been able to work since the diagnosis was made. Because he is 62, he was able to take an early retirement, but it is a small check and doesn't meet his monthly living expenses. He's filed for disability benefits, which have not yet been approved. Until approval, he does not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. His insurance is pretty awful, and Indiana is one of those states that doesn't have expanded Medicaid. As a result, he's falling in the cracks -- deep, deep in the cracks.

(2) A dependable vehicle that sits at least six people for Zac and his family, who live closest, to transport Tim to medical appointments. (He hasn't driven since the diagnosis three months ago.) Jenni and Zac have three children and live in a crowded two-bedroom apartment, so Tim can't move in there. At present, Jenni has been staying with Tim during the day all week, Zac takes the night shift, and Jake and Kasia come in from the Chicago area on weekends. I too have been driving in most weekends from Illinois, a 200-mile trip each way. Currently, they have to rent a van to make any trips, such as the one this week to Chicago to look into clinical trials.

(3) Hired help to fill in holes. Jenni (who is tiny) has done much of the care up until now, but she isn't strong enough to manage it safely anymore and Zac has taken over. The stress has affected our young grandchildren, ages 14, 7, and 4. This won't be possible very much longer. There are a lot of us helping here, but realistically, we have to take care of everyone's needs. This is a marathon (if we are lucky), not a sprint.

Tim is a good guy. He's always been there for everyone else. Now it's time for us to be here for him. Help us do that please.