Brian/Jacki Smith fight CANCER
This is Brian and Jacki (formerly Erickson) Smith of Wilmington, IL; both New Lenox natives, where their parents still reside, and who both graduated of Lincoln-Way High School. They had like-minded goals and were best friends before realizing that they were meant to be together. Their goals led them to think long term and they began to plan their future. They were married in 2009 and have one child (a canine Boxer named Pepper, who is quite literally the most perfect dog you'd ever meet). They have the kind of love that is both mature (patient, forgiving, and adaptive) and one between friends (playfulness, fun-filled laughter, and kindness). They value honesty and truly complement each other in all respects. Nearing their 3rd anniversary, Brian began having stomach ailments that prompted a visit to the doctor.
The day before their 3rd anniversary in October 2012, Brian was diagnosed with Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer which had spread to his liver. He was 31 years old. With confidence, because of his age, Brian and his doctors were optimistic that he would beat it. To prep for surgery to remove the cancerous mass from his colon, Brian had an uncomfortable Colostomy bag put in that would be part of him for the months ahead. Chemotherapy was the next step to tackle the liver. After many rounds of Chemotherapy and Radiation, 2 unsuccessful liver surgeries (first in March and the second in November), broken ribs, and being out of work since September of 2013; Brian was at least glad to have his colostomy bag removed in February 2014. His spirit never hampered, his attitude never diminished. He was always, as he had been his whole life, optimistic.
The doctors performed rectal surgery in February 2014 to be rid of Cancer there for good; Brian spent two and a half months in/out of the hospital due to complications. So much so, that it put off his most anticipated liver surgery until May 8th 2014.
This liver surgery, the first of its kind to be performed in Illinois, where he had a 50/50 percent chance of survival. He was surprisingly unworried, as everyone who came to support him were more nervous than he was. It consisted of a 27 hour procedure (split bewteen two days) where the liver was removed entirely and 80% of it (cancerous) was cut off. The remaining sliver was put back in. He spent 2 months in intensive care. His attitude never faltered. He came home and still had bowel issues, leading to more visits to the ER. He's been in the hospital more than at home since May.
This past August, the Cancer was found to have spread rapidly again in his liver and spread to his bones. So bad in the bones that it fractured his pelvic bone. At the time of this writing, doctors are running tests because they feel it possibly has spread to his lungs and kidneys. He just got home from complications to his bowels and intense pain in his abdomen. He is on Nutrition at home, and Jacki helps get vital nutrients into his system through his Chemo port. He is having a very hard time feeling hungry, so being on nutrition is the only chance for him to sustain his health. He's still on Chemotherapy that will be administered every two weeks.
To see two people, young and in the infancy of their marriage, have to go through such strife is beyond my comprehension. To Brian, who never asks for anything in return, who would work on your car for free, install appliances, travel to help you out, and would literally take the shirt off his back if you needed it. A man who worked hard and is fair and honest with everything he does. To Jacki, who also works hard and is fair in all that she does. She grew up understanding to save money. She was certain to have money to fall on should she need it. Their medical bills have destroyed all they saved and worked hard for. Jacki is only on adrenaline half the time; she can't sleep or concentrate at work. She can't find the time to keep up any daily maintenance at the homestead. All her spare time is with Brian. Brian and Jacki's family has helped out with cutting the grass or shoveling snow last winter. Since he hasn't worked since September 2013, she has been forced to work as much as possible with graciously accepted overtime to try and handle the accumulated debt. (And even poor Pepper, has reacted to all that is happening with a few cases of hives and throwing up).
For the first time in 2 years, Brian now feels fear and loss of optimism. What he is going through is enough to put knots in anyone's stomach. The doctor's still have hope: all prayers and positive thoughts are useful and appreciated.
I tell this story for you to please help them in their time of financial need. They do not need to be worrying about the incoming bills that are destroying their credit and creating doubt against the security of their home. They need to be focusing on Brian's battle to beat this horrific episode in his life. They both see each other getting old together, finally getting that honeymoon in they neglected to take in order to 'get ahead', and just being there for each other to make new memories. I'd want to see Brian without pain and suffering; smiling and laughing again with Jacki at his side.
For those who have been through this - some of you triumphed against insurmountable odds and understand the havoc Cancer does to you financially, to the homestead, and to friends and family all around.
For those who have lost the battle and friends and family have to pick up the pieces - you understand the necessity of staying strong and being present to what really matters.
Anything would be beneficial to keep Brian and Jacki focused on their fight with Cancer, and not all these external factors that were affected from this terrible disease. Brian and Jacki have enough to worry about than how monies are too tight to pay bills. They shouldn't have to worry about the commute to/from hospital or work or struggles of getting groceries and paying Utilities. There should be no anxiety about losing your home or having to file bankruptcy. It's hard to have to work overtime or sell stuff to get by. They just need to focus on Brian's battle. Anything can make a difference. Please donate today and give this young couple a chance to see that the world has plenty of positive influences and good things can happen despite the struggles we face.
I'd like to thank you ahead of time for your humble sacrifice from the bottom of my heart. Wherever your path may take you; may there be laughter, fun, and joy.
-Luke Aulwurm