Support The Lootens Cancer Fight

To know the Lootens is to love them which is why I am starting this fundraiser to support them during the long, difficult journey they have ahead. To Dan and Heather, family is everything. Nothing means more than their sweet Eloise (4), Archie (1), and baby number three who is due this summer.

For those who may not know, Dan has been sick for several months. Before becoming sick he was very healthy, active, and always ready for a spur-of-the-moment tea party at Eloise's request.

After many doctor visits and many tests, a CT scan showed a large, concerning mass in his abdomen. Last week, while waiting for the biopsy results of the mass, Dan's condition started declining. After rushing him to the emergency room, Heather and Dan were told he had blood clots in his lungs and he was admitted for treatment. While admitted, their world was quickly turned upside down as he was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer that spread into his abdomen.

Due to the current status of his health, Dan will be on leave from work for an unknown amount of time as he goes through treatment. He will also need to be separated from his children and his pregnant wife at times due to the chemotherapy. It will be extremely difficult both physically and mentally for him.

Heather will continue working full-time but this will be very difficult for her as she tries to balance spending time with Dan during treatment, caring for the kids, and soon enough, welcoming a new baby into the family. They recently relocated to Georgia for work which means, unfortunately, they don't have any family in close proximity to help.

My goal is to ask Heather & Dan's friends/family/community (or anyone that has been affected by cancer or who would like to contribute) to come together and help alleviate some of the financial burdens cancer brings upon a family. The Lootens family needs to be able to focus on spending quality time together and healing right now. The money raised will go directly to Heather and be used for medical bills, living expenses, and anything else they need during this time.

(Heather is my childhood best friend and I have known Dan since they met. These are two people that would help anyone without a second thought but would never ask for anything in return. After some convincing, I got their permission to do this for them.)