Scholarship Fund for Baby Lillian
Donation protected
My youngest sister, Melenese Platke Rawsthorne (age 29), resided in Georgia with her husband, Derek, stationed at Fort Stewart, GA. Mel delivered her baby girl 7 weeks early due an atypical and very agressive form of ovarian cancer. Lillian Anne Rawsthorne, was born on May 20th, 2013, and after a brief stay in intensive care, is now home and doing extremely well.
The cancer was discovered as a cyst on her ovary which was drained and removed in late March, followed by one round of chemotheraphy. After her c-section, the cancer was found to have spread into her entire abdominal region, attacking all vital organs. She spent several weeks in the hospital after the c-section hoping to get strong enough to resume chemotheraphy, but her health declined steadily, and ultimately was too weak for additional treatments.
She was moved to Hospice House Savannah in early June, where she spent four weeks with her husband and baby. She had many family and friends visit while she was there, and was able to get into a wheelchair a few times to enjoy the beautuful Hospice facility and grounds. Her favorite thing to do was feed the turtles Fruit Loops in the pond, and even toured the botanical gardens next door.
She passed away peacefully on July 2, 2013, at 10:00pm, with Derek and Lillian by her side.
Lillian is a miracle, she is perfectly healthy and is thriving!!! I have started a 529 education plan in Lillian's name, so she will have some money set aside when she attends college. I wanted Mel to know she need not worry about her daughter's education. We held one fundrariser at a local restaurant raising a significiant amount of money to get her fund started. Many family members, friends, (and even strangers) donated at the event, and when I came across this website, I thought it may be a great tool for anyone else who may want to help...
We appreciate everyone's heartfelt thoughts and prayers, they are a true comfort during this very difficult time. Thanks in advance for any contribution you may be able to make towards Lillian's future.
GOD BLESS!
Stephanie Platke Ries
The cancer was discovered as a cyst on her ovary which was drained and removed in late March, followed by one round of chemotheraphy. After her c-section, the cancer was found to have spread into her entire abdominal region, attacking all vital organs. She spent several weeks in the hospital after the c-section hoping to get strong enough to resume chemotheraphy, but her health declined steadily, and ultimately was too weak for additional treatments.
She was moved to Hospice House Savannah in early June, where she spent four weeks with her husband and baby. She had many family and friends visit while she was there, and was able to get into a wheelchair a few times to enjoy the beautuful Hospice facility and grounds. Her favorite thing to do was feed the turtles Fruit Loops in the pond, and even toured the botanical gardens next door.
She passed away peacefully on July 2, 2013, at 10:00pm, with Derek and Lillian by her side. Lillian is a miracle, she is perfectly healthy and is thriving!!! I have started a 529 education plan in Lillian's name, so she will have some money set aside when she attends college. I wanted Mel to know she need not worry about her daughter's education. We held one fundrariser at a local restaurant raising a significiant amount of money to get her fund started. Many family members, friends, (and even strangers) donated at the event, and when I came across this website, I thought it may be a great tool for anyone else who may want to help...
We appreciate everyone's heartfelt thoughts and prayers, they are a true comfort during this very difficult time. Thanks in advance for any contribution you may be able to make towards Lillian's future.
GOD BLESS!
Stephanie Platke Ries
Organizer
Stephanie Platke Ries
Organizer
Plymouth, MI