Help save her Daddy's life

Hello, I'm Claudia Shields (I know the heading says this message is from Louie, but as some of you know, I'm always butting in).  I am here on Go-Fund-Me because I am trying to help him raise money to literally save his life.  Louie Shields is my little girl's  daddy (Imani, 12 years old), the light of her life, and one of the best friends I have ever had.  The photo above was taken just after he was released from the hospital after having brain surgery.

Just before Christmas, I sensed that something was seriously wrong (something he didn't seem to be completely aware of) and I got him to the ER.  He was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the deadliest form of brain cancer there is. 

The brain surgeon entered Louie's hosptial room while our friend and priest, Franciso Garcia, was praying for Louie.  The three of us were still holding hands, as the doctor told us that there was no cure for this. When Louie asked about alternative treatments and lifestyle changes, the doctor shook his head and said, "This is what Teddy Kennedy died from, even with all of the resources he had."  The doctor left the room, and we resumed our prayers.

Later, a different doctor,  who was the oncologist, told us that without treatment Louie could expect to live 14 weeks, and with surgery, chemo and radiaton, 18-24 months.  The best possible outcome would mean that Louie would be expected to die when our daughter is only 14 years old.  Then he said something that gave us a glimmer of hope.  He told us that there are "a handful of patients who live 5+ years."  

Since then, we have read testimonials of some GBM patients living for years, and a few celebrating 10 year anniversaries.  When I was working on my doctorate, I gained some skill in comprehending scientific health studies. So, I also started reading articles published by the National Institute of Health to see if there were things that could be done. We learned that there are things that can be done to, not only extend his life, but to improve the quality of his life! 

Louie made it clear that he has decided to FIGHT!   He is determined to beat this and to dance at our daughter's wedding, and I am determined to help him.  Inspired by his courage, I bought him a Superman t-shirt.  He wears it along with a knit cap, which he calls his "brain beanie," that keeps his head warm.  Sometimes he wraps himself in a prayer shawl, crocheted by a woman in our church who said a prayer with every stitch.  We believe that he can win this fight and his victory will offer inspiration to others. 

Anyone who knows Louie knows that he, like his dad, is a man of sterling moral character.  When he puts his mind to something, he is a force.  He was in his 40's when he decided to go back to college, driven by a desire to help others.  He wanted to become a gerontological social worker, dedicated to supporting elderly people who were ailing and in need of support. Despite his age and the number of years since he'd been in school full time, he graduated at the top of his class and was then accepted into one of the top graduate programs in social work in the country.  Because of the cancer, he is now on disability from his work at an adult day treatment facility, where he provided social services to elderly people.  He is well-loved at work, as he is warm, loving, funny.  He is also the light of our daughter's life -- and is very special to me. 

About two weeks ago, I took Louie  to a doctor who had helped me overcome a dire health situation a few years ago, when literally a dozen others had offered no hope. She confirmed that there are things we can do for Louie.  He has already made significant dietary changes that will help his body fight the cancer.  The doctor can also provide treatment that will weaken the cancer cells and make the chemo and radiation more effective.  She said, "These can extend his life beyond what chemo and radiation can do, and improve the quality of his life."

Unfortnately, NONE of these additional treatments are covered by insurance, and must be paid for out of pocket.  Louie is scheduled to start radiation and chemo this week, but because he can't work, he can't afford the supportive treatments that may help extend his life beyond 18-24 months offered by the chemo/radiation.

It blows my mind to realize that the amount of time Louie lives could actually be due to how much money we are able to raise.

In addition to the the treatments, there are also huge hospital bills (he didn't have insurance when he became ill), rent, special dietary needs, health supplies, and now that he has insurance (premiums and co-pays),

Please consider making a gift.    Some of you may want to do a single gift now.  Any amount will be greatly appreciated.  OR, because he will need the treatments on a monthly basis, some of you may choose to make small monthly donations (even as littles as $10-$20) which would be tremendously helpful in getting the treatment he needs.

We will post regular updates here on this site, about Louie's condition.  Also please note, any messages you post will go to Louie (as well as me) and donations will go directly to him.

Also, please forward this message to anyone you think might like to help and keep us in your prayers.


With sincerest gratitude,

Claudia Owens Shields