Help Marlene Kick Cancer's Butt

Marlene Wusinich, photographer, artist, adventurer, wife, and mother is one of my favorite cousins. I first remember meeting her when I was about 8 or 9 years old. I was super jealous of her beautiful blue eyes, but other than that I pretty much loved her from the start. What I loved most (other than the eyes) was her beautiful spark, and her ability to persevere in all kinds of situations. No matter what life threw at her, she'd work her way to the top and come out with that gentle, tentative, mysterious smile on her face. It's been about 40 years since that first meeting, and she is still climbing to the top, persevering, and smiling through the trials. In those intervening years, Marlene explored the country, graduated college, worked hard, developed her career as an artist, and met the love of her life, Scott. They had two beautiful children together, William and Vivi, and have made a wonderful life together in Idaho, a place they admire for its natural beauty and the close friendships they’ve made there. Family and friends know Marlene is funny, creative, unique, compassionate, and a gentle soul.

Unfortunately, though Marlene has had to deal with more adversity than is at all fair or just, and way more than one person should have to in a lifetime, she now has another challenge to overcome. Marlene has been diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic colon cancer. In line with her values, Marlene has chosen to battle cancer through mostly holistic as well as traditional cancer treatments, with the goal of extending and maintaining the quality of her life. A portion of her cancer treatment will be covered by standard medical insurance, but some aspects are not covered and will have to be paid out of pocket. Her fight against cancer will take her away from her home of Driggs, ID for many months at a time as she seeks treatment. In addition to medical expenses, she will incur significant travel, lodging, and transportation expenses. The first step in her path to wellness starts in the New Year in Florida, where she and Scott will stay for at least one month while going to consultations and treatment.

Marlene at first was hesitant about the GoFundMe, but at the urging of family and friends, she agreed to participate. We all love her immensely and feel so helpless as to how to support her difficult fight against Stage IV colon cancer. This campaign is just one way we are trying to provide support so that she can put all of her substantial will into fighting cancer, and not into worrying about finances. All funds generated through this GoFundMe will be used to pay for the treatment expenses and for living/travel expenses while on her cancer journey.

Please consider donating to help Marlene kick cancer's butt! She has friends and family who love her, a loving husband, and two wonderful children who need her in their lives.