FUNDRAISER FOR LESLIE AND MIKE KATONA

Hello. My name is Nicole Rabena and I'm Leslie Katona's sister and sister in law to Mike. He's my brother. I've known Mike since I was 19 years old. He and my sister have been married for 23 yrs. They have two beautiful children- Luke and Chloe, twins as most of you know. This letter is very hard for me to write because it represents both joy and sadness. Joy, because of the love Leslie and Mike, Luke and Chloe have for each other and sadness because of the fight they are now facing.

Mike was just diagnosed just a little over a month ago, with stage 4 Glioblastoma, the deadliest form of brain cancer. Mike has 3 brain tumors and has already undergone brain surgery and just recently started radiation and chemotherapy. He has been hospitalized in the ICU since.

My sister Leslie has now been out of work with no pay for 3 weeks. On top of being completely devastated, she is now terrified at the prospect of facing insurmountable hospital bills in addition to every day responsibilities of raising two children. I never thought I'd have to write a letter like this for someone I love and adore so much. It's slightly uncomfortable and very humbling for Leslie but so many of you have asked what you can do. We understand that everyone has families and responsibilities but if Ive ever felt like a Go Fund me was appropriate, it's now. Leslie has told me how much it means to her and Mike that so many people have reached out. Leslie spends every day at the hospital from morning til night so it's hard for her to respond to everyone. Like I said before Leslie is humbled by everyones desire to help and its appreciated more than anyone will ever know.

Mike is a fighter- a tough guy on the exterior but inside he's a softy; someone who loves and adores his family and his friends who he says are his chosen family; his brothers. Mike wants so badly to beat this almost impossible hand he's been dealt. He is stage 4 glioblastoma with 3 brain tumors. I was lucky enough to spend the day in the ICU with him this past week and when we were alone, he voiced to me how scared he is; not only for himself but for Leslie. He made me promise to make sure she and the kids are ok. I don't think I've ever felt so helpless in all my years. He's Lukes Dad, the guy who he can go to with questions about life; the guy to guide him. He's Chloes closest confidant...she's his little girl. He's Leslie's person, the man she chose to marry and grow old with; his best friend. I can't imagine the pain they are enduring. I feel like doing this Go Fund me will take a little of that burden off of Leslie for a little while so she can focus on Mike and the kids. I can't thank you all enough for being in their lives and even considering any kind of donation. Please just know that you're all in their hearts. You're loved and appreciated by all of us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Please keep us all in your prayers and hug the ones you love. You are all in our hearts and prayers. God Bless.