The Barkley Family Fund
Donation protected
In June of 2006 Shawn was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After several failed attempts with chemo they decided to try a stem cell transplant to attack his extremely aggressive Cancer. After a month he again relapsed confirming that the transplant had also been a failure. Next began round after round of radiation to new relapse sites as they arose. In between treatments and relapses Shawn's weakened immune system and body became subject to a myriad of other problems, blood infections, pneumonia, swine flu, kidney failure, actively bleeding ulcer, relapse in the bone requiring a permanent rod to be surgically placed in his leg to stabilize the fracturing bone, and a collapsed lung.
Kim, Shawn, and their family remained hopeful as no one had diagnosed him as terminal, and for the most part treatments seemed to help. That all changed this year...
In April Shawn began experiencing shortness of breath and after several trips to the hospital was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis brought on by his prolonged Cancer treatments. Sadly, this condition is untreatable. His lungs are hardening and their functionality continues to decline. He is not eligible for a lung transplant, nor would he survive the surgery if he was. At this point the doctors believed that Shawn had 6 months to a year to live. At the end of August his care was turned over to a Hospice team and Kim was forced to go on disability due to stress and anxiety as well as to be home with her husband.
Between them, Shawn and Kim have two daughters. Their oldest, Angel is 19. She graduated this year, but has postponed college in order to spend time with her dad. Their youngest, Mackenzie is only 10. She is a talented young dancer who regularly attends conventions and competitions, but with the current situation even that bit of normalcy is in jeopardy. At this point the family has no income coming in. They have tapped into 401k funds despite penalties and taxes to try and support themselves, but that is no longer enough. Funds are needed to help pay for medical expenses, daily household expenses, and monthly bills. The family is also facing the $7,500 expense of providing Shawn with funeral services when his time here ends.
The Barkley family are not the type of people who ask for help. They are usually the ones who are helping others, no questions asked. Despite what they've been through they are standing strong and still smiling, grateful for one more Thanksgiving together and hopeful for one more Christmas as a family. Please consider donating to this amazing family to help with medical and funeral expenses, as well as to simply ease the stress and financial uncertainty of Kim who will be left to raise a family on her own during this incredibly difficult time. Xoxo.
Kim, Shawn, and their family remained hopeful as no one had diagnosed him as terminal, and for the most part treatments seemed to help. That all changed this year...
In April Shawn began experiencing shortness of breath and after several trips to the hospital was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis brought on by his prolonged Cancer treatments. Sadly, this condition is untreatable. His lungs are hardening and their functionality continues to decline. He is not eligible for a lung transplant, nor would he survive the surgery if he was. At this point the doctors believed that Shawn had 6 months to a year to live. At the end of August his care was turned over to a Hospice team and Kim was forced to go on disability due to stress and anxiety as well as to be home with her husband.
Between them, Shawn and Kim have two daughters. Their oldest, Angel is 19. She graduated this year, but has postponed college in order to spend time with her dad. Their youngest, Mackenzie is only 10. She is a talented young dancer who regularly attends conventions and competitions, but with the current situation even that bit of normalcy is in jeopardy. At this point the family has no income coming in. They have tapped into 401k funds despite penalties and taxes to try and support themselves, but that is no longer enough. Funds are needed to help pay for medical expenses, daily household expenses, and monthly bills. The family is also facing the $7,500 expense of providing Shawn with funeral services when his time here ends.
The Barkley family are not the type of people who ask for help. They are usually the ones who are helping others, no questions asked. Despite what they've been through they are standing strong and still smiling, grateful for one more Thanksgiving together and hopeful for one more Christmas as a family. Please consider donating to this amazing family to help with medical and funeral expenses, as well as to simply ease the stress and financial uncertainty of Kim who will be left to raise a family on her own during this incredibly difficult time. Xoxo.
Organizer
Sierra Krause
Organizer
Allentown, PA