Cancer Cannot Shatter Hope
Donation protected
Last month was the single hardest month of my entire life. At a time that should have been overwhelmingly happy for me as I embarked on my new journey at my dream school, Emerson College; my family and I found out that my mother has Stage IV Non-Small Lung Cancer that has metastasize to her brain.
But let’s be clear on this, what I am about to tell you isn't all about me; it’s much more about the beautiful person whom is my mother, and my father who has now become her full time care taker. The news came sudden, and as a surprise to all of us.
For years my mother had been silently suffering. She struggled in pain. She had known that something was wrong with her, but couldn't determine what. Doctors didn't properly diagnose her, and we have no idea how long the cancer has existed. Cancer is very evil, as it can mask itself to be several different kinds of problems. Without proper diagnosis, it only gets worse. On a hot summer day in August my mother suffered a seizure, and had a minor stroke.
It was then that my family and I received the worst news of our lives, and we learned that all her pain was in fact caused by cancer. But not just any cancer, Stage 4 Lung Cancer that has spread to the brain. Can you imagine the terror of hearing those words? The news of course had devastated us to say the least, and it completely has changed the course of our lives ever since.
My mom had stayed a week in the care of Boston's Brigham & Women's Hospital, and we are confident she is receiving the best care possible. The doctors all love her there because despite her terrible diagnosis she still smiles, and cracks jokes. They can't believe how strong of a woman she really is! It truly inspires me!
Since then she's under gone ten very intense full brain radiation therapy sessions. During this time my family and I had to make the hour long commute to Boston for over two weeks. The next step in this process is Chemotherapy, and to work on making the size of the tumor on her lung as small as possible.
Of course there are several fears that are involved; but again we are confident that my mother is receiving the best care possible at Brigham & Women's Hospital. But feeling confident does come with a significant price. The gas, hotel stays, parking fees, food, medical fees, and general cost of my parents living has now sky rocketed, with little to no income coming in to support it. My parents have both worked hard their whole life, and are now retired. Now instead of enjoying their retirement the way they should, they now have to face their biggest battle of their entire lives.
My parents have always been extremely giving people. They are the first to help out a friend who needs a ride, lend a hand around the house, or just someone in general to talk to. They have done things for others without hesitation, and without ever expecting anything back. I know this personally because they have done the same for me my entire life.
Now I would like the chance to give back to them, and help them out in any way I possibly can. This is why I am asking from the bottom of my heart to please help my family out. Cancer is a hard enough battle without having to worry about money on top of that! Cancer not only rips apart your insides, it tears you down emotionally as well. You truly never realize how horrible of a disease this is until it touches you or someone you love.
I want to give my parents something to smile about, even if it’s just for one moment. I'd like to give them some of their money back, and some of the money that they will soon need while my mother under goes chemo. We have no idea how much more will be needed, as there's little relief in sight financially speaking.
I believe that my mother can beat the statistics. She is strong, positive, and much better than anything this disease throws at her. She has a young beautiful spirit that still tries to make everyone smile around her in spite of her own battle that she must face. Please help if you can. It doesn't matter the amount. It is truly hard to put a limit on the amount needed, as currently there is no way of knowing how much more is needed. If you cannot help, than please share this status; as it may reach someone that can. Say a prayer, it would mean a lot to my family and I.
Thank-you for considering. I wish you all love, happiness, and most of all health within your lives.
But let’s be clear on this, what I am about to tell you isn't all about me; it’s much more about the beautiful person whom is my mother, and my father who has now become her full time care taker. The news came sudden, and as a surprise to all of us.
For years my mother had been silently suffering. She struggled in pain. She had known that something was wrong with her, but couldn't determine what. Doctors didn't properly diagnose her, and we have no idea how long the cancer has existed. Cancer is very evil, as it can mask itself to be several different kinds of problems. Without proper diagnosis, it only gets worse. On a hot summer day in August my mother suffered a seizure, and had a minor stroke.
It was then that my family and I received the worst news of our lives, and we learned that all her pain was in fact caused by cancer. But not just any cancer, Stage 4 Lung Cancer that has spread to the brain. Can you imagine the terror of hearing those words? The news of course had devastated us to say the least, and it completely has changed the course of our lives ever since.
My mom had stayed a week in the care of Boston's Brigham & Women's Hospital, and we are confident she is receiving the best care possible. The doctors all love her there because despite her terrible diagnosis she still smiles, and cracks jokes. They can't believe how strong of a woman she really is! It truly inspires me!
Since then she's under gone ten very intense full brain radiation therapy sessions. During this time my family and I had to make the hour long commute to Boston for over two weeks. The next step in this process is Chemotherapy, and to work on making the size of the tumor on her lung as small as possible.
Of course there are several fears that are involved; but again we are confident that my mother is receiving the best care possible at Brigham & Women's Hospital. But feeling confident does come with a significant price. The gas, hotel stays, parking fees, food, medical fees, and general cost of my parents living has now sky rocketed, with little to no income coming in to support it. My parents have both worked hard their whole life, and are now retired. Now instead of enjoying their retirement the way they should, they now have to face their biggest battle of their entire lives.
My parents have always been extremely giving people. They are the first to help out a friend who needs a ride, lend a hand around the house, or just someone in general to talk to. They have done things for others without hesitation, and without ever expecting anything back. I know this personally because they have done the same for me my entire life.
Now I would like the chance to give back to them, and help them out in any way I possibly can. This is why I am asking from the bottom of my heart to please help my family out. Cancer is a hard enough battle without having to worry about money on top of that! Cancer not only rips apart your insides, it tears you down emotionally as well. You truly never realize how horrible of a disease this is until it touches you or someone you love.
I want to give my parents something to smile about, even if it’s just for one moment. I'd like to give them some of their money back, and some of the money that they will soon need while my mother under goes chemo. We have no idea how much more will be needed, as there's little relief in sight financially speaking.
I believe that my mother can beat the statistics. She is strong, positive, and much better than anything this disease throws at her. She has a young beautiful spirit that still tries to make everyone smile around her in spite of her own battle that she must face. Please help if you can. It doesn't matter the amount. It is truly hard to put a limit on the amount needed, as currently there is no way of knowing how much more is needed. If you cannot help, than please share this status; as it may reach someone that can. Say a prayer, it would mean a lot to my family and I.
Thank-you for considering. I wish you all love, happiness, and most of all health within your lives.
Organizer
Renée Lee Taylor
Organizer
Taunton, MA