Kindness for Cottrells
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Albert Schweitzer once said, "The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others." It is in this spirit that I have created this GoFundMe page to help the Cottrell family. I work with Cindy Cottrell and have watched over the past year and a half as this family has been through struggle after struggle. My heart goes out to them and I appeal to you to help this family - their needs are many and their resources few with the exception that they seem to have an unwavering faith that keeps them going. They have 6 children and a house that needs significant repairs. Funds raised will help pay for medical bills, repair the roof of the house, pay for schooling expenses including a graduation cap and gown for the triplet boys who are graduating from high school this year. Currently Cindy is only working part time. Please read their story and join me in doing what you can do help and support this family. I ask that you forward this link and share it with as many people as possible.
The majority of this text comes from Cindy's care page for her husband Ken:
"Ken was diagnosed with colorectal cancer after a routine, first colonoscopy on November 18, 2014, at the age of 52. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor on December 5, 2014. After 4 days of intense pain, a leak was discovered, requiring an emergency second surgery on December 9, 2014. The surgeon was unable to repair the leak, so Ken required a colostomy. Following these surgeries, Ken developed multiple infections and abscesses requiring the placement of drainage tubes. The second surgery left Ken with a wide, open incision, which required the use of a wound vac to help it close. On December 11, we received the results of the pathology report. We were devastated to learn
that cancer cells were found in Ken's lymph nodes and in the close margin (the tissue surrounding the tumor) of the tumor. This information placed the cancer at Stage IIIb, with a 5-year survival rate of 50%.
On January 27, 2015, Ken began 4 months of IV chemotherapy, followed by 6 weeks of radiation and oral chemotherapy, He suffered many side effects of the chemotherapy, but never complained, and forged ahead with a deep conviction that the treatment was doing its job. Ken finished treatment in July, 2015.
Although he had just recently (late August) started to regain his strength and energy, on October 1, 2015, Ken underwent surgery again to reverse his colostomy. Ken was very eager to have this surgery and truly believed that it would be his first step in regaining/resuming a normal life. We were stunned to learn on October 6th, the day of his discharge, that a CT scan of his thorax, taken that day, revealed that the cancer had metasticized to his lungs and liver. We now know that Ken is in Stage IV and is terminal.
We are praying for a miracle cure and complete healing of Ken's body. If that is not God's will for Ken, we are pleading for more time with him here on Earth. Ken wants to fight this disease and live as long as possible. Friends and family can help by praying for Ken's physical health to be restored, and for mental and spiritual healing.
Throughout this trial, Ken has handled his illness and treatment with courage, grace, and dignity. He has never complained, or asked, "Why me?". Once he recovered from the two surgeries in December, Ken maintained a positive attitude throughout his treatment. Despite the many side effects of the chemotherapy - intense fatigue and nausea; severe cold sensitivity and neuropathy in his hands and feet - he went to work almost everyday during his treatment. He put on such a brave face for everyone he came into contact with throughout his day. Then he would come home and collapse in his chair, often too tired to even speak."
The majority of this text comes from Cindy's care page for her husband Ken:
"Ken was diagnosed with colorectal cancer after a routine, first colonoscopy on November 18, 2014, at the age of 52. He underwent surgery to remove the tumor on December 5, 2014. After 4 days of intense pain, a leak was discovered, requiring an emergency second surgery on December 9, 2014. The surgeon was unable to repair the leak, so Ken required a colostomy. Following these surgeries, Ken developed multiple infections and abscesses requiring the placement of drainage tubes. The second surgery left Ken with a wide, open incision, which required the use of a wound vac to help it close. On December 11, we received the results of the pathology report. We were devastated to learn
that cancer cells were found in Ken's lymph nodes and in the close margin (the tissue surrounding the tumor) of the tumor. This information placed the cancer at Stage IIIb, with a 5-year survival rate of 50%.
On January 27, 2015, Ken began 4 months of IV chemotherapy, followed by 6 weeks of radiation and oral chemotherapy, He suffered many side effects of the chemotherapy, but never complained, and forged ahead with a deep conviction that the treatment was doing its job. Ken finished treatment in July, 2015.
Although he had just recently (late August) started to regain his strength and energy, on October 1, 2015, Ken underwent surgery again to reverse his colostomy. Ken was very eager to have this surgery and truly believed that it would be his first step in regaining/resuming a normal life. We were stunned to learn on October 6th, the day of his discharge, that a CT scan of his thorax, taken that day, revealed that the cancer had metasticized to his lungs and liver. We now know that Ken is in Stage IV and is terminal.
We are praying for a miracle cure and complete healing of Ken's body. If that is not God's will for Ken, we are pleading for more time with him here on Earth. Ken wants to fight this disease and live as long as possible. Friends and family can help by praying for Ken's physical health to be restored, and for mental and spiritual healing.
Throughout this trial, Ken has handled his illness and treatment with courage, grace, and dignity. He has never complained, or asked, "Why me?". Once he recovered from the two surgeries in December, Ken maintained a positive attitude throughout his treatment. Despite the many side effects of the chemotherapy - intense fatigue and nausea; severe cold sensitivity and neuropathy in his hands and feet - he went to work almost everyday during his treatment. He put on such a brave face for everyone he came into contact with throughout his day. Then he would come home and collapse in his chair, often too tired to even speak."
Organizer and beneficiary
Kathy Donnelly
Organizer
Wyoming, MI
Cottrell Family
Beneficiary