Rick Gibeau's Family Support Fund

In January 2014, Rick was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. Rick and his family had to decide between a clinical trial or radiation and chemo therapy. They chose radiation and chemo therapy. Rick had radiation for six weeks starting in February and through March that was all his body could withstand. He started on his chemo therapy treatments every 21 days, Rick’s daughter Noelle and his wife Mary, managed to bring him to Kaiser Permanente for his treatments.
By the end of April they had some good news, the MRI showed that the tumor had shrunk. Everyone was hopeful & grateful and prayed that it would continue to shrink or stop growing. At the end of July the MRI showed new growth and he started having weakness in his left side and started dragging his left foot. Rick now has paralysis on his left side and can no longer walk on his own. Fortunately, Mary’s brother Frank is able to stay with Rick during the day while Mary is at work. Mary cares for him at night and their 16 year old son, Dillon does what he can to help out. Their older son Andrew, is finishing up his final semester in college this December.
On November 21st he had another MRI which showed significant tumor growth. Three other Dr.s have reviewed Rick’s MRIs and are not sure they can offer anymore treatment, as his prognosis is grave. Kaiser Permanente sent a social worker to the home for Mary to sign necessary papers including a DNR. On Friday, they are going to Stanford Hospital to find out if he will be a candidate for a trial drug that is in a Phase II study. He qualifies for the trial but, it all depends on the Dr.’s review of his MRIs etc. His current Dr. does not think it will help but Mary won’t give up.
Mary works at a small dental office and has had very little time off and has exhausted whatever time she had. She has been working as hard as she can to pay for the mortgage and household expenses. Rick has been on disability since July which is two-thirds of his pay and it barely covers the $1,700 monthly premium for medical coverage through COBRA. Things are becoming very difficult financially and emotionally. Rick is in need of 24 hour care.
In August a co-worker and I went to Mary and Rick’s home about sharing their story on “gofundme” and at the time they were not interested. They are very proud private people and wouldn’t ask for help. Rick had been working at a high school before he had to leave his job. Staff and CSEA Chapter 519 started a fundraiser and raised $2,000 that was presented to him in June. This was the least we could do for a well-liked co-worker and friend in need.
The Gibeau’s have never asked for assistance, but I know they really need it right now. Having a full-time caregiver and assistance with their monthly bills could truly help them through this devastating time. Please consider any donation to help this family meet the needs of Rick’s care. Your generosity and kindness would truly be appreciated.