Pam Fitzhugh Medical and Family Expenses

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Pam Fitzhugh died on December 21, 2021, following a rough and courageous battle with Stage 4 cancer.

About Pam

Pam was a bright, kindhearted, and energetic ray of sunshine who brought so much to so many. From helping take care of toddlers at a daycare facility, to helping teachers at an elementary school, and to assisting and giving hope to residents and families at a senior living center, Pam was the personification of humility, kindness, and love for others. She made the world a better place and won her battle in life; her pain has finally ended, and she is now with Jesus.

About Pam's Illness and Hard-Fought Battle

After enduring COVID-19 and major back surgery in late 2020, Pam's road to recovery was almost complete in March of 2021. She and the rest of us were so happy; we thought our prayers had been answered. But, in a few short days, we learned that Pam's streak of horrible luck and suffering had not even really begun yet. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer that had already spread to her lymph nodes, liver, and lungs.

Doctors advised chemotherapy. Pam underwent a surgical procedure to have a port installed in her shoulder for the chemotherapy. The results after three months were encouraging. However, she experienced some abdominal discomfort and the oncology team elected to stop chemotherapy until the pressure could be alleviated. She then underwent a procedure to embed a stent in her colon, which relieved much of her pain. Unfortunately, chemotherapy was never administered to Pam again. It later came as no surprise that an updated scan revealed growth in her existing cancer and new cancer cells in her liver and lungs.

From October 2021 to early December 2021, Pam was hospitalized four (4) times, three of which lasted one week or longer. During the course of these hospitalizations, Pam encountered 1) infection of a cancerous tumor in her colon, 2) C-Diff infection in her stomach, 3) mild sepsis, 4) full loss of muscular function in both legs, rendering her unable to ever walk again, 5) chest pain, tightness, and shortness of breath, 6) fast heartbeat reaching 150bpm, 7) multiple blood clots in her lungs, and 8) a blood clot in her leg. Finally, in early December, cancer was also discovered in an area around her spine. On December 12th, Pam was placed into hospice care at Charter Senior Living, where she had worked. Loving residents at Charter painted pine cones on a wreath that was hung on the door to her room. She passed away peacefully on December 21, 2021.

The Aftermath

Pam was a kind, gentle soul, always helping others and brightening people's lives, yet she was taken away at the relatively young age of just 61. Aside from the comfort afforded her by the excellent hospice care provided by Charter Senior Living and Alive Hospice, Pam's physical and emotional journey this year has been nothing but horrendous, tragic, and painful. She is finally at peace.

Although insurance paid some for Pam's treatments, hospital stays, and procedures, there still exists a very large amount of liability for medical expenses that her family does not have the ability to cover, or even reduce by much (that we haven't already reduced by paying as much as we could during her illness). Also, Pam missed much work throughout her battle, and by early September was no longer able to work at all. The missed work early in her battle created hardships and forced difficult decisions to be made not only by Pam, but also her loving family. Since September, we have been reduced to a single-income family; our current situation is not sustainable. We need to be able to resolve some liabilities and issues incurred over the last several months, and to position ourselves to carry on as a single-income family.

The Ask

Pam Fitzhugh brought so much to so many and helped others in many different ways. She was all about giving of herself for others. Her legacy of kindness, compassion, and making the world a better place will live on forever.

Her family sincerely asks that you please find it in your heart to donate to this very critical and worthy cause. Any amount is appreciated. We also ask that you please consider sharing this fundraiser page anywhere you can--social media, e-mail, etc. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Pam's family -- Patrick, Caroline, Cayla, Hobbs (pet), and Elliott (pet)