Mari Hadley

Mari Hadley, Senior - CCO Support, has been on FMLA since 9/26/2022, due to her husband, Carwin, being diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer. Her husband has been fighting cancer for many years and this is the fourth cancer he has had in the last 5 years. Due to the numerous times, and types of cancer her husband has had, it makes this a very complicated case. This has resulted in a very complicated and costly roller coaster ride. All in an effort to get the safest, most appropriate and effective treatments.

After Carwin’s diagnosis he was referred to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. This top cancer facility is over 800 miles from their home. There they spent a month in a hotel while undergoing tests. He was then informed, that his case was more complicated than normal, making his options for treatment very limited. He cannot have chemotherapy because he only has one kidney. Undergoing radiation treatment is not possible because of his previous radiation treatments. His only option now is surgery.

MD Anderson cannot accommodate the surgery he so desperately needs. This is due to his current health conditions, such as his herniated stomach and his bowel in his chest. Which has now displaced his heart and decreased his lung capacity.

He was then referred to Methodist Hospital, also in Houston, due to the more appropriate facilities for his condition. Once at Methodist, the surgeon directed them to return home, to get clearance from his regular cardiologist and doctors in order to do the surgery.

After more tests, THANKFULLY, they have cleared him for surgery! But they are still waiting for the doctor to review his case with the medical board at Methodist, to plan his surgery. Once planned, they will return to Houston for surgery, hopefully for the last time. The surgery is a risky one. Carwin will be in ICU for at least a week. Once he is cleared from the hospital, they will be required to stay in Houston an additional two weeks at minimum, providing all goes well, then a lengthy recovery at home.

Mari has been the main provider and caregiver for their family due to Carwin being legally blind & his failing health. Their family, at home, consists of her husband, herself and their 9 year old, Alvie. Alvie has stayed with family while they have been out of town, so he can continue his education and football.

Due to Carwin’s needed care, Mari has exhausted all of her vacation and sick leave. Their family has now been without income since early October.

With this unexpected diagnosis, costs have really added up. The travel, food, hotel expenses, out of pocket deductibles, and medical costs, are now an extreme burden for Mari and her family. They are still looking at more expenses in the next few weeks, to travel back to Houston as their regular household expenses continue.

Mari has been an employee with TDS since April of 2020. Any assistance would greatly be appreciated to help with the burden of these expenses.