Support for the Baker Family

In early September, the Baker Family found out that Larry was suffering from Pseudomyxoma Peritonei, a rare cancer of the abdomen. Larry underwent a 12 hour surgery on Monday, September 21st where they removed his spleen, appendix, gallbladder and parts of his large and small intestines. He also received a chemo treatment during the surgery. Larry suffered a heart attack 5 days after his surgery but was revived with CPR. While they were told the hospital recovery period would run 3-4 weeks, the countless setbacks while working towards recovery are extending that time-frame considerably. The past month has been an emotional and medical roller coaster for the Baker Family.

Since the surgery, Larry has been in the ICU with Rhonda by his side for as many hours as the nurses will allow. She arrives at 8am each morning and leaves around 8:30 each evening (or when the nurses kick her out). Due to a lung condition, his recovery is slow and uncertain at best. Getting Larry home where he can be with his family is the ultimate goal but there are a lot of obstacles in reaching that goal. Right now his medical state is critical and they are taking each small accomplishment as a victory. Rhonda loves Larry with all of her heart and nothing means more to her than Larry and the girls. 

Rhonda, with Larry's help, is the sole breadwinner for the family. As a sales rep, her income is dependent completely on the commissions she earns through her sales on the road. Having been a rep for nearly 30 years, Rhonda is one of the hardest working people I know. She loves her customers, loves learning about their lives and considers them a part of her extended family. I have worked with Rhonda for 23 years, Larry actually is the reason I am where I am today as he was largely responsible for hiring me 23 years ago.

Today Rhonda was devastated to learn she is losing a large part of her income because of a territory restructuring. The most important thing for her right now is to be with her husband and daughters; I'm hoping that we can alleviate some financial stress by helping her bridge the gap while she works towards Larry's recovery.

Larry would be horrified to learn about a GoFundMe and Rhonda will probably be embarrassed. I'm prepared to take my blows and have them angry with me if the result is that Rhonda can sleep better knowing she can concentrate on Larry and the girls. I'm only posting this privately on Facebook for now as I am trying not to violate every aspect of their privacy. Feel free to email to those I might have missed but please don't share to Facebook.

Thank you for considering a small contribution and especially for your prayers.