Support for Team Lutes

My words (I'm Melissa's sister for those that don't know me) don't seem adequate to tell someone else's story so I have asked Melissa to share in her words...here is what she sent me:

"I met the love of my life and my best friend in October of 2021. Allen and I were inseparable from our first date and not one day went by that we didn’t text and talk constantly. We were engaged in 2022 and married May of 2023.

Allen is the most selfless person and primary caregiver for his parents who both suffer from multiple health issues and dementia. He also works full-time as a project manager for Hays and Sons and absolutely loves it. When I moved in with him, it also included both his parents and six cats, and boy was that at an adjustment for my gypsy soul! But we did it! We were just ready to start our lives together. His father recently moved into an assisted living home, and his mother still lives with us. She needs full-time caregiving and can’t be left alone for long periods of time.

Allen was officially diagnosed by The Mayo Clinic with a 5 cm GIST cancer tumor October 13 and has been hospitalized for 21 days due to debilitating pain, bowel obstruction, and multiple surgeries. At this time, his treatment plan is undetermined and changes day to day.

We both went on FMLA October 27 and although FMLA will help to secure our position with our employers (for up to 12 weeks) there is no income provided and there are multiple expenses to maintain the quality healthcare that's needed.

As my husband’s advocate, I’ve been caught up in a whirlwind of appointments, research, doctors, paperwork, and complex legal issues.

We have no idea what the future holds or how long his recovery will take or what it will entail. We have no idea what medical bills will start to come in, or how to maintain our household, which includes caregiving expenses for his mother.

If you are so inclined to contribute in a monetary way, please know that we are extremely grateful. The love and support we have received from our friends and family and community is profound!"