Support Patty In Her Struggle With Cancer And Infection

For those of you that don't know me, my name is Sarah, and I'm proud to be the youngest of four daughters to Mike and Patty Pritt. For those that do know me, you know I'm a talker, so please bear with me!

Mom has worked as Lab Coordinator for the Washington Hospital in PA for 23 years, and she also maintains a janitorial position at West Alexander United Methodist Church, where she's an active member. So on weekdays, she makes a long commute and deals with the stress of a demanding job. And on weekends, she makes a little extra by contributing to her church. When she isn't working, she is busy helping the people in her life in just about every way possible, yet she also always finds time to spend with her children, grandchildren and her great grandson. But with her age, the health issues haven't been kind. So for the last few years, she's had hopes of retiring. But life happens and it's always out of reach. Then at the beginning of this year, she once again considered whether she could make it work. But not even a full month into the new year and she got the news...she was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma. Kidney cancer. We were all devastated because while it's a type of cancer that can typically be removed, we didn't know if they would need to take her full kidney, plus there's always the possibility that it could spread, among other complications and concerns with surgery, etc. But she went head on with it, wasting no time speaking to multiple doctors and researching her options. And if you're thinking that being a loyal, dedicated employee at the hospital for several years would benefit her in any way, you would be sorely mistaken. It was as though there was no sense of urgency and no empathy for her situation whatsoever. But after going back and forth many times, she did find a doctor who was willing and able to remove the cancer in a timely manner, without taking her kidney. Unfortunately, that option came at an expense. But when you're staring cancer in the face, you take your best option as quickly as possible. So she had the surgery in mid April and it seemed to go well. But very soon after, she was diagnosed with a serious infection which landed her back in the hospital, and she's still battling it today. So it's been a lot for her, emotionally and financially, with being off work and the ongoing treatment which has been unsuccessful so far. Let alone the fact that she has an unrelated upcoming surgery as well, with no sick leave or paid days off to cover that either. Because we all know...when it rains, it pours.

She and dad have always worked very hard for our family and they've both been a great example for us girls. But it certainly hasn't always been easy. Yet despite the difficulties, Mom has always been the most selfless person I've known. And I realize any decent person would say good things about their mom, but she really is special...so kind and so good. People approach me all the time to tell me what a truly wonderful person she is. If you're reading this and you know mom, then you know what I mean. And that's why I'm creating this for her. I'm asking for anyone who's able, to please help ease the financial burden, which will also help with the stress she's been under from all of this. I would love to give her a good surprise, so please help me reach our goal! I know what it would mean to her, to see the way that others care for her. But please know that whether or not you're able to help with a donation, prayers are also very much welcomed and appreciated!!