Craig's Uphill Battle

On March 22nd, 2022 we heard the news that no one wants to hear. My brother-in-law was diagnosed with a grade 4 brain tumor (Glioblastoma Multiforme). He has battled grade 2 brain tumors in the past but we knew that this one would be an impossible fight. Even with treatment, the best prognosis is 12-18 months. Once this news was given, the first thing he decided to do was to marry my sister. This beautiful relationship, that they both made it through so much to find, was about to be a roller coaster.

 

Since then, they have gotten married, and my sister (and other family members) have spent every single day making sure he is fully taken care of. They travel to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for a clinical trial, as well as other IV chemo infusions, every 3 weeks. MRIs show progression, even with current treatment. His mother has moved into his home to help with day-to-day care. Craig was a self-employed plumber and worked around the clock, but is no longer able to work at all. This means my sister is carrying the financial load of 2 households (bills/mortgage/etc) on one income. Unfortunately, Craig doesn't qualify for any financial assistance because he was self-employed, and SSDI requires a mandatory 6 month waiting period before he will see benefits, if any at all.

 

We all know the ugly truth about a grade 4 diagnosis. Ultimately, there are a lot of unexpected expenses that are piling up, and there will be even more going forward. We are looking to help them out any way we can, so they can at least have one less thing to worry about. Craig would give anyone he knew his last dollar, and is always willing to help everyone around him. It's time to help him now!