Susan Bloomer's medical fund

Susan "Bloomer!" Kanne underwent brain surgery on Dec. 2 for an encapsulated mass, and expected to stay in the hospital for a couple days, then come home.  It turned out to be an aggressive, cancerous tumor called a glioblastoma.  The surgery left her weak on her left side, so weak that she can hardly put on a bra.  She also lost vision in the left field of vision of both eyes.  

After six weeks in the hospital, she is back home and mapping out a course of radiation that she'll endure five days a week for six weeks.  Luckily, her hilarious intellect and lightening fast wit are still very much intact.  



Bloomer has spent her life helping people who need it. She donated bone marrow to her brother, who is still alive today, thanks to her.  She appeared on C-SPAN twice, testifying before Congress and advocating for HIV/AIDS patients back in the 90's,  when many medical professionals feared and refused to care for them, and legislators refused to acknowledge them.  She lived with and provided in-home care for an older woman with Alzheimer's, far past last stage complications, while holding down a full-time job.  She and her husband have essentially adopted their whole neighborhood of kids, animals, and every kind of imaginable stray.  She's been there for me when I didn't know how I would get through the day.  She was by my side when my second child was born.  I've seen her make the most serious surgeon laugh and laugh, and bring out the most reclusive people around. She's left work after twelve-plus hours of taking care of people, and go take care of even more people, many people, before finally getting home long after dark.


Bloomer has a way of making even the most stubborn misfit feel like he or she belongs.  I've told her many times that I'd pay to see her do what she does on a stage.  She's quick with a joke, a song, an impression, all made up on the spot, that has everyone around her howling with laughter.  Since she's been out these past many weeks, so many of us have done our best "Bloomerisms", reciting her sayings, jokes and songs.  It just isn't the same without her around, cracking us up.  Bloomer is an exceptional person who really needs some help right now.   She hasn't been working for 7 weeks now.  Short term disability has come up short.  Insurance covers a portion of her high level care, but unanticipated, huge bills remain.  If Bloomer has ever made you (or someone you know) laugh, or feel loved, or less alone, or come through in ways you didn't even know you needed, please consider giving back to Bloomer.  

#Bloomerstrong #Bloomernation #grrrrrrl!