Ruth Book's Cancer/Financial Assist

This is my friend, Ruth Book. Ruth has rectal cancer. But… Let's start her story back in November 2014, when she lost her job as a radio announcer when WEEC Christian Radio management decided to take the station "a different direction". Ruth had faithfully served that Christian radio ministry for 26 years. She said the shock of being let go was like a divorce from someone she truly loved. Ruth and her husband of 40 years, Marty, have had people living with them most of their lives. It began with a missionary kid who graduated from Cedarville University. Kerry Anderson lived with the Books for two years and was a big brother to their daughters, Heather and Holly. Heather and Holly grew up, married, moved out on their own for several years, but when their marriages broke up, moved back in with mom and dad for several years, along with granddaughter. Life continued and the girls became independent again. Then, Ruth and Marty found out about a young mother who had a kidney transplant and was going through gradual failure of that kidney. Deb, and her eight-year-old son, moved in with the Books and lived with them for over eight years. Deb's two teenage nieces came to live with them for a couple years, as did Deb's twin brother. Ruth and Marty have always said that their hearts were bigger than their wallets. They have always been on the giving end of life. In August 2015, Marty was hospitalized for a week with cellulitis and sepsis (the third time through the years). Hospital bills and doctor bills have accumulated. Ruth and Marty celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on December 13, 2015 and on December 14, received quite a shock when during a colonoscopy, Ruth found out she had rectal cancer. Life changed and they started on their cancer journey. Ruth is working part-time at Christian EduCare in Springfield and shares that the staff and board there have been tremendously encouraging and supportive. Marty is employed at the Springfield Post Office. Ruth's cancer is considered Stage 4 Rectal Cancer. She has had pre-operative chemotherapy and radiation, then surgery on June 7, 2016. Dr. Nedelman removed the tumor and 10 inches of colon and rectal as well as 19 lymph nodes. There is a small spot on the liver the doctors are watching. Ruth began more extensive chemotherapy in August 2016, which will continue through the rest of the year. She has chemo infusion at the Springfield Regional Cancer Center every other Wednesday, then a pump with additional chemo Wednesday through Friday. Ruth says that the cancer center staff, doctors and volunteers have been phenomenal including Dr. Victor and Dr. Singh. The main side effects that Ruth has are extreme sensitivity to Cold… Touching… Drinking, and eventually, even breathing when the weather gets colder. The side effect will increase with more chemotherapy. The other side effect involves more fatigue at times. So… why a "Go Fund Me" account, when the Books have insurance? There is a $5000 deductible on each and with Marty's hospitalization and diabetes problems and Ruth cancer journey, bills have been mounting up. Not only have medical expenses been adding up, but they have had plumbing problems for the last nine months, which they have not been able to address financially. Friends… Ruth and Marty have always given to so many others... Many times doing without them themselves. Mark and I would like to establish this "Go Fund Me" account to help them in their time of need. Bless you for whatever you can do to help. I know that Ruth and Marty covet your prayers especially. God has given the Book's this thought and goal, "God has a reason and a purpose in this cancer journey. May we be examples of His love and His Grace." Thank you from my heart… And theirs! Jen Sturgeon