Help Michele Visit Her Dying Brother Greg

We don't know how much longer Michele Daubert's brother, Greg, will be on this planet. He is dying of cancer and Michele would love to be able to fly back to Massachusetts to spend some time with him while he is still here. To let you know a bit about their relationship, here are Michele's words:

Have you ever wished you had a twin? Someone who knew you well, even if you didn't look identical? When Greg and I were youngsters, we discovered we were the same age for almost a month (23 days to be exact), having been born just eleven months apart. What a revelation! Looking back, there were many reasons Greg and I bonded so profoundly, as brother and sister, then friends, but for some reason, that magical time of playfulness really seemed to cinch the deal. For a spell, we were twins, and we played that out with all our youthful glory. Over fifty years later, when July eases into August, one of us will remind the other that we are now twins, if only for a moment. Ah, the rituals that get carried forward>>>.

At the end of November 2022, Greg went into hospital for severe abdominal pain. After weeks of testing, he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer, which had metastasized. It was everywhere. Greg was never promised a cure if he went through chemo, but he was given a longer time to be on the planet if he chose to undergo a rough chemotherapy regime. With encouragement from his wife, Pam, Greg decided to stick around a while longer. Although the experience had its debilitating effects, he was able to get his affairs in order and have quality time with Pam.

In mid-April, Greg's body started to react to the chemo. His platelet count was too low for chemo and continues to be too low. And that is that. On the one hand, Greg feels so much better without dealing with the treatment's toxicity. Yay for that!

On the other hand, his time on the planet has just taken a turn. At the writing of these words, Greg is on a cruise with Pam and their friends. It promises to be a happy time, with this beginning the time of his final farewell. I, too, want to be a part of my brother's final farewell.

A year ago, I took a risk and let go of my employment to start my own business. The transition has taken me through many twists and turns on life's inner and outer planes. When Laura told me she wanted to do a GoFundMe campaign so I could see my brother, I was initially hesitant, but honestly, I don't know how else I would get to do so. And at this stage in my professional life, assistance from others would be most welcomed and humbly appreciated. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

Warmly,

Michele