Family Affected By Malignant Brain Tumor

Colin, Emily, and their three, young children (all under the age of 7), are sadly now 1 of the 24,000 families that will be directly and horrifically affected by a primary malignant brain tumor this year. 

Presenting with a headache and some abnormal forgetfulness for about a week, Emily strongly encouraged Colin to head to the ER Friday evening, October 9th. “It’s probably just a sinus infection/allergies or the typical stress and strain catching up with him after staring at a computer all day long,” Emily surely thought… just like any of us would as our loved one drove themselves to the hospital while we remained at home cleaning up dinner and getting the kids ready for bed.  Never in anyone’s wildest nightmares could it have been imagined that our gentle giant, Colin, would learn he has a primary brain glioma brain tumor. 

Have you read the survival statistics for brain cancer? If not, then please don’t. If you have, then you know Colin, Emily, their three children, and their families are in for the fight of their lives. Literally. Recovering from a frontal craniotomy where the surgeons removed a large malignancy, Colin will begin rehab later this week while UPENN works on a plan for his specific treatment. Emily has always and remains still a glass-half-full person.  Let’s fill the heck out of her glass! 

With Emily on FMLA leave from her teaching career until February to care for Colin and their three young children and Colin a commissioned employee that does not have disability insurance, this brain cancer is not only a devastating physical blow; it is a severe financial one, as well. Even with Emily’s school health insurance, out-of-pocket medical and non-medical expenses such as deductibles, co-pays, over-the-counter medications, and home accommodations are going to cause an unrecoverable financial strain.  The surgery was just the first few steps in a marathon they have laying before them.

So what can we do to fill this family’s glass to support them in enjoying as many quality moments together with the time they have?  We can send them our strength, positivity, and generosity. 

Let’s pay off their mortgage, erase their medical expenses, and fund the education of Lucas who turns 7 in December, Liam who is a proud 5, and Grace, an adorable 2-year-old. 

Give a little or give a lot, but please share this campaign with as many people as you can and send your love, positivity, and prayers out to them. Tweet it, Facebook Share, or do with it whatever the kids nowadays are doing to get the Murray’s story out there so they can be supported just as they have supported so many friends, family, and coworkers in their lives. 

Let’s help Emily, Colin, Lucas, Liam, and Grace beat the odds. Chances are, they will with a grand outpouring of support.