Cancer Surgery and Home
Donation protected
This is Kim, my wife.
Last year, she was diagnosed with Stage IV synovial sarcoma, and given just months to live, but she fought that prognosis, and, in weeks, found a research study dedicated to an investigational treatment for sarcoma. Last month, we received the news we had been praying for; her sarcoma was in remission.
However, during the course of her treatment, a mass that had been thought to be a brain metastasis was resolved to be a second cancer - an oligodendroglioma. This was a devastating blow to us, but with typical steadfastness, Kim rolled up her sleeves and began treatment for this, too. Imagine going through chemotherapy for two cancers simultaneously. That's what she does, even now, because the investigational study she's on requires her to continue taking the chemotherapy for the sarcoma, at a reduced level, for several more weeks.
All the while, we have been facing another battle; we are homeless. We are staying with relatives in an apartment that is far too small, my wife and three sons ages 10, 14 and 16, and our 14 year-old has severe autism.
We have worked hard this last year, through setback after setback to both health and circumstance, and we are getting to the final stage of moving to a new home, one that we own and thus can never lose.
However, once again, circumstance is against us. Despite wanting to hold off as long as possible, Kim's oncologists have determined that it's almost certain that her brain tumor will require surgery, and soon. In order to image it correctly, they need her to urgently take a PET scan, but since she already had one at the beginning of the month, her insurance company is unwilling to pay for another. Additionally, they are trying to force her to another doctor for her treatment, despite the fact that she needs to stay with her current ones to remain on the study. Change now could, and probably will, kill her.
We are so close. We have one chance now; a PET scan, surgery and recovery, a home of our own and a chance to face a future that remains uncertain, but which she deserves to face in her own home, with her family around her.
Thank you so much for listening, and I hope you can help. We are beyond grateful for all you have done.
Love always
Callum and Kim.
Last year, she was diagnosed with Stage IV synovial sarcoma, and given just months to live, but she fought that prognosis, and, in weeks, found a research study dedicated to an investigational treatment for sarcoma. Last month, we received the news we had been praying for; her sarcoma was in remission.
However, during the course of her treatment, a mass that had been thought to be a brain metastasis was resolved to be a second cancer - an oligodendroglioma. This was a devastating blow to us, but with typical steadfastness, Kim rolled up her sleeves and began treatment for this, too. Imagine going through chemotherapy for two cancers simultaneously. That's what she does, even now, because the investigational study she's on requires her to continue taking the chemotherapy for the sarcoma, at a reduced level, for several more weeks.
All the while, we have been facing another battle; we are homeless. We are staying with relatives in an apartment that is far too small, my wife and three sons ages 10, 14 and 16, and our 14 year-old has severe autism.
We have worked hard this last year, through setback after setback to both health and circumstance, and we are getting to the final stage of moving to a new home, one that we own and thus can never lose.
However, once again, circumstance is against us. Despite wanting to hold off as long as possible, Kim's oncologists have determined that it's almost certain that her brain tumor will require surgery, and soon. In order to image it correctly, they need her to urgently take a PET scan, but since she already had one at the beginning of the month, her insurance company is unwilling to pay for another. Additionally, they are trying to force her to another doctor for her treatment, despite the fact that she needs to stay with her current ones to remain on the study. Change now could, and probably will, kill her.
We are so close. We have one chance now; a PET scan, surgery and recovery, a home of our own and a chance to face a future that remains uncertain, but which she deserves to face in her own home, with her family around her.
Thank you so much for listening, and I hope you can help. We are beyond grateful for all you have done.
Love always
Callum and Kim.
Organizer and beneficiary
Callum MacAlister
Organizer
Bellefontaine, MO
Kimberly MacAlister
Beneficiary